The MRT2 is also known as the Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya (SSP) Line.

The company’s facility located in Changwon, about 35km from Busan, manufactures trains, defence products, automotive and plant equipment. It is the largest train manufacturer in South Korea and exports to 36 countries.

Hyundai Rotem’s vice-chairman Woo Yoo-cheol, who received Mahathir on arrival, also showed the company’s latest rail technologies, specifically its research and development on the hydrogen-powered train.

After about two hours touring the facility, Mahathir test drove the Hyundai Nexo, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV). He was also given an update on Hyundai Rotem’s defence products including armoured vehicles.

During his visit, Mahathir also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Sapura Group and Hyundai Rotem to collaborate in rail-related technologies.

Sapura Group chief operating officer Mohd Zarif Hashim said the company intends to grow its rail-related capabilities and technologies in Malaysia and Asean.

He represented Sapura while Woo signed for Hyundai Rotem.

Sapura is planning a domestic direct investment in rail system technologies and invited the South Korean company to undertake a foreign direct investment in the local rail maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry.

“The idea today is for Sapura to work together in electronics and rail systems so we can develop our own and transfer the technology to Malaysia,” he said.

Sapura has identified an area in Mentakab, at the proposed intersection between KTMB and the ECRL rail track, for the facility.