Kuala Lumpur, 07 October 2024 – Theta Edge Berhad (Theta or the Company), a leading ICT company listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia with over 30 years of experience, continues its transformation journey by expanding into urban mobility. In line with the company’s strategic objectives of driving long-term shareholder value, Theta is leveraging its expertise in civil mechanical engineering, telecommunications, and technology to introduce Mobility as a Service (MaaS) with the aim of enhancing urban mobility and sustainability.
Building a Sustainable Future: LRT & ART Integration
As part of its commitment to building a sustainable future, Theta, in collaboration with the Nylex Consortium, offers a capex efficient integrated solution in the form of Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system in Johor Bahru. This innovative hybrid public transport solution is designed to offer efficient, scalable, and flexible mobility options to the city’s growing population.
Leveraging Expertise for Impactful Results
The strategic partners potentially involved in this collaboration bring a wealth of experience and proven expertise in executing large-scale rail projects both locally and internationally. Highlights include:
- China Harbour Engineering Company Limited – Currently engaged in building Malaysia’s Rapid Transit System (RTS) and East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).
- China Energy International Group Company Limited – Leading the ART pilot project in Istanbul, with a 40 km route and 37 stations, integrating with a metrobus system that serves about 1 million passengers daily.
- BTS Group Holdings PCL – A proven leader in Bangkok’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, operating six MRT Skytrain lines for over 25 years and recognized globally as the most sustainable Transportation & Transportation Services company by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for four consecutive years.
Driving Innovation and Collaboration
Datuk Nuraslina Zainal Abidin, CEO of Theta Edge, commented, “We are excited to collaborate with renowned partners who bring not only their expertise but also cutting-edge technology and experience. Together, we aim to deliver a truly innovative and sustainable Mobility as a Service (MaaS) solution that will positively transform urban mobility. This project is a key part of our vision to create a technologically advanced and connected future.”
The integration of the LRT and ART systems will complement the upcoming RTS, scheduled to be fully operational by January 2027. This hybrid transport solution is expected to cater to both local and Singaporean ridership, addressing future demand while improving the overall passenger experience.
Why an Integrated Approach?
The hybrid LRT-ART system presents several significant advantages:
- Efficiency: ART will enhance LRT and RTS by reducing congestion and waiting times.
- Accessibility: The system is designed to serve both high- and low-density areas, expanding transport options for a wider range of commuters.
- Cost-effectiveness: The hybrid solution reduces construction and operational costs while offering a sustainable long-term transportation strategy.
- Scalability: Designed to grow with the city’s population and urban development.
Contributing to Malaysia’s Sustainable Goals
Theta Edge’s involvement in this project is aligned with its 5-year strategic value creation plan, which emphasizes continuous innovation, strong partnerships, and sustainability. The Johor Bahru LRT-ART project also supports Malaysia’s Twelfth Malaysia Plan and its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
By leveraging the collective expertise within both consortiums, this collaboration is poised to deliver a cutting-edge transportation system that will significantly enhance urban mobility, contribute to economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents in Johor Bahru.