KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is prepared to move forward with the development of the Pan-Asian Railway Network (PARN), a strategic infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity between Malaysia and China, with a focus on expanding trade opportunities in the halal sector.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said Chinese President Xi Jinping had expressed support for the initiative during his recent state visit to Malaysia. The proposed rail network is expected to unlock access to markets in western China, including Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang—regions with substantial Muslim populations.
“This presents valuable prospects for the direct export of halal products via rail to these emerging markets,” said Loke at a press conference following the Railway Assets Corporation’s (RAC) 2025 Appreciation Ceremony and Open Day on Friday.
He stressed that the Unity Government continues to prioritise the development of global rail connectivity as part of its broader economic and regional cooperation goals.
A key milestone in Malaysia’s international rail ambitions is the Asean Express, a pilot initiative launched in partnership with Thailand’s State Railway and logistics partners in China. The service transports cargo from Malaysia to Chongqing, China, with a current transit time of nine days.
“Our hope is to see this become a regular, commercially viable service,” Loke said.
However, Loke acknowledged that legal and regulatory frameworks remain key challenges in realising seamless cross-border rail services. Ongoing discussions with regional partners aim to address these issues.
He also provided updates on domestic infrastructure progress, noting that the double-tracking upgrade from Johor Bahru to Padang Besar is expected to be completed by year-end. Once finalised, Malaysia will have a continuous double-track rail network along its west coast corridor, improving both passenger and cargo efficiency.
Looking ahead, Loke is scheduled to meet with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, on May 2 to further discuss the PARN project and reinforce bilateral cooperation.
In his closing remarks, Loke reiterated Malaysia’s call for stronger ASEAN integration through interconnected railway systems. “Linking rail networks from Peninsular Malaysia to Thailand, Laos, and China has long been part of ASEAN’s shared vision for regional connectivity,” he said.
