JOHOR BAHRU, July 29 – Johor-based bus body manufacturer, Sun Bus Tech Sdn Bhd aims to complete 310 Rapid KL buses under a local assembly (Completely Knocked Down-CKD) project with Prasarana Malaysia Bhd by February 2026.
Sun Bus Tech chief executive officer Shyan Phang said the project marks a major strategic shift for the company, moving from an export-heavy operation to one with significant domestic focus, in line with government policies to strengthen local assembly and industrial capacity.
“This is our first large-scale domestic project and currently takes up almost 100 per cent of our production capacity, with a target of producing 50 units per month,” she told Bernama during a visit to the company’s plant here.
The first batch of 10 buses was delivered last month, followed by another 15 units this week. Starting next month, the company will ramp up its deliveries to 40 to 50 units per month, she said.
She added that the project is also opening up employment opportunities for locals, as the company works to build a sustainable workforce with local talent.
“We’re working closely with TVET institutions in Johor as well as the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) to recruit and train more Malaysians. Our target is to achieve a 90 per cent local workforce in the near future,” she said.
Sun Bus Tech is one of the companies that have responded to the Johor state government’s call to raise salary levels and develop a future-ready workforce.
The company now offers a premium starting salary of RM4,000 for skilled workers.
Shyan said previously, over 90 per cent of Sun Bus Tech’s sales were from international markets such as Singapore and Taiwan, and the Prasarana contract is expected to contribute nearly half of the company’s total sales this year.
“When we first launched Sun Bus Tech, it was our international network that responded first. Clients from Singapore gave us our initial breakthrough. But this local tender gives us the opportunity to strengthen our footprint in Malaysia,” she said.
She also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the country’s public transportation ecosystem by delivering high-quality, future-ready, and environmentally-friendly vehicles.
On July 14, Prasarana launched 310 diesel buses, under the 2025 Bus Replacement programme, to enhance public transport services in the Klang Valley and Penang.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that this marks Prasarana’s final procurement of diesel buses, aligning with the government’s goal to shift towards a more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and low-carbon public transport system.
