Malaysia and China Sign Strategic MoU to Elevate Transport Cooperation and Rail Safety

BEIJING, Sept 23 – Malaysia and China have officially strengthened bilateral ties in the transport sector through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Transport Cooperation in Beijing, according to the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

The MoU was signed following a bilateral meeting between Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Chinese Transport Minister Liu Wei during Loke’s official visit to China.

According to MOT, the agreement establishes a formal framework covering land, rail, maritime, and air transport, as well as the logistics sector. Key areas of focus include technical expertise exchanges, capacity building, artificial intelligence application, green transport initiatives, and low-carbon infrastructure development.

The bilateral agreement aims to strengthen Malaysia’s policymaking capabilities, optimize regional supply chain efficiency, attract high-tech investments from China, and consolidate Malaysia’s position as a premier logistics and transport hub for ASEAN.

During the visit, Loke also witnessed the signing of a separate MoU on Civil Aviation Safety Cooperation between the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The agreement was signed by CAAM Chief Executive Officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud and CAAC Deputy Administrator Hu Zhenjiang.

The aviation agreement covers qualification approvals, certification processes, flight operation oversight, and organization licensing. It is expected to enhance Malaysia’s civil aviation safety standards, minimize technical redundancies, and streamline the trade of aeronautical products and services between both nations.

In addition, Loke held discussions with National Railway Administration of China Administrator Song Xiude to exchange insights on rail sector governance, operational safety standards, workforce capacity building, and advanced rail technology integration.

MOT highlighted that the visit underscores mature diplomatic relations and a shared commitment to translating bilateral ties into practical, high-impact transport initiatives.

–NMT