Prasarana receives Malaysia’s first collaborative railway training simulator

XCEL ITECH Sdn Bhd has developed and delivered Malaysia’s first collaborative Train Driving Simulator to Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, marking a milestone in the country’s railway training capabilities while supporting efforts to enhance operational safety, workforce competency and emergency preparedness.

The KLAV27 simulator was officially handed over at Kompleks Rapid Rail Subang under the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP). The system provides railway operators with a virtual training platform where multiple trainees can participate simultaneously in realistic operational scenarios before transitioning to actual rail operations.

Developed by XCEL ITECH, a Malaysian technology company specialising in engineering solutions, simulation systems and digital technologies for the transportation and critical infrastructure sectors, the simulator is designed to strengthen practical skills while reducing risks associated with live operational training.

Simulator enables collaborative operational training

Unlike conventional train driving simulators that focus primarily on individual practice, the KLAV27 enables several operators to train together within the same virtual railway environment.

The system recreates the entire 46.4-kilometre Kelana Jaya Line, covering all 37 stations and one depot. Trainees are able to experience coordinated train movements, service disruptions and emergency response situations in a controlled environment, allowing operators to improve communication, decision-making and operational readiness.

XCEL ITECH Chief Executive Officer Ir. Badrul Hisham said the project represents more than the delivery of a simulator.

“Today, we are not merely handing over a simulator. We are handing over a new national capability, opening new possibilities and creating another important chapter in the history of Malaysia’s railway industry,” he said.

He added that the project demonstrates the capability of Malaysian companies to develop advanced railway technologies that address real operational needs.

Industry collaboration supports local technology development

The simulator was developed through a collaboration involving the Alstom Transport Systems Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Hartasuma Sdn Bhd Consortium (AHC), Technology Depository Agency Berhad (TDA), Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and XCEL ITECH Sdn Bhd.

The initiative was undertaken under the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), which promotes technology transfer, local industry development and capability building through strategic partnerships between government agencies and industry players.

The project reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s rail industry by fostering local technological expertise while supporting safer and more effective workforce training for the country’s expanding public transportation network.