Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2021, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) uses digital platforms to organise a virtual Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) to the Philippines focusing on rail technology. This event shows MATRADE's ongoing commitment and momentum to help Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) stay afloat in these trying times.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Export Acceleration), Sharimahton Mat Saleh said "Malaysia's railway sector has improved technologically and modernised enough to be at par with countries such as the UK, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and China. The recent manufacturing of a new ‘green locomotive’ series, which is able to reduce up to 75% of carbon dioxide emission, has proved that Malaysia’s railway sector is committed to develop a train transportation system that is cost-effective, ecologically friendly, and safe. The manufacturing of Malaysia's 1st locally-made locomotives manifest an intrinsic value to the environment by minimising emissions and promoting green operations. A cleaner environment with less pollution has been achieved due to government actions to improve the sustainability of the railway system”.

"We have a good number of civil construction companies that have done well in the rail industry. In addition to projects in Malaysia, these firms have also been handed work in other countries. In markets like Thailand and Taiwan, our rail companies have already established a presence by building train stations, viaduct-tunnels, bridges, and other infrastructure," said Sharimahton.

According to Sharimahton, Malaysian railway companies also excel in automated fare collection, electrification, communications, and track maintenance. Because of their industry expertise, Malaysian companies are well-positioned to take advantage of international business prospects. Examples of Malaysia's expertise in foreign countries include the communication networks in Vietnam, the trackwork in Indonesia, and the vast majority of the energy systems in Southeast Asia.

The top exports for railway products in 2020 were contributed by parts of rolling-stock vehicles valued at RM21.4 million and signalling devices for railways valued at RM20.2 million. The top export destinations for Malaysia's railway products in 2020 are the USA, with an export value of RM11.3 million, followed by China RM7.7 million, Singapore RM4.6 million, Vietnam RM4.5 million and Australia RM3.5 million.

Meanwhile, the top imports for railway products in 2020 were contributed by parts of rolling-stock valued at RM185.4 million, self-propelled rolling stock valued at RM116.4 million, and railway passenger & special purpose coaches valued at RM74.4 million. The top imports sources for Malaysia's railway products in 2020 are South Korea with an import value of RM168.3 million, Canada RM115.4 million, China RM53.1 million, Germany RM38.6 million, and USA RM26.7 million.

Malaysia's major exports of railway products to the Philippines for the period of Jan to Aug 2021 were the railway track fixtures and fittings valued at RM867,140 cumulatively.

The virtual Export Acceleration Mission (EAM), which will take place from 20 to 21 October 2021, will see the participation of 12 Malaysian companies in promoting products and services from various rail industry subsectors such as Rolling Stock, Signalling & Telecommunication, Power Electrification, Track Works as well as Education related matters.

Despite the current Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysian companies' participation in this programme shows our business community's determination and high confidence to continue exploring business opportunities and potentials with their counterparts in the Philippines and strengthen the existing business ties between countries.

Undersecretary for Railways, Department of Transportation Philippines, Mr. Timothy John Batan, will present Philippine rail projects that are now available and in the pipeline during the 2-day Virtual EAM. Local and foreign participants will be interested in exploring Malaysian companies by attending the pitching session, which will be held at the same time. On the second day of the mission, virtual meetings were set up between Malaysian and Philippine companies, giving Malaysian companies the chance to promote their products and services further.

"MATRADE will continuously facilitate Malaysian companies to transcend the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic by providing digital platforms for Malaysian companies to share their expertise, capabilities, and capacity to supply a wide range of products and services to global markets," said Sharimahton.

Moving forward, MATRADE will continue to facilitate Malaysian companies to increase their presence and strengthen business connections with industry players in the Philippines. Malaysian companies keen on exploring or expanding their presence in the Philippines market are urged to contact MATRADE Manila at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  To learn more about how MATRADE can help the railway industry, don't hesitate to contact Mr. Iszam Khail (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Mr. Mohamad Nazirul (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).