Since 1999, ERL Maintenance Support Sdn Bhd (E-MAS) has been a key driver in Malaysia’s rail industry. As the operations and maintenance (O&M) arm of Express Rail Link (ERL), initially a joint venture with Siemens, and wholly owned by ERL since June 2005, E-MAS continues to deliver innovation, resilience, and excellence, ensuring Malaysia’s flagship airport rail services remain world-class.

Delivering World-Class Reliability

KLIA Ekspres began service in April 2002 with 12 Siemens Desiro ET425M trains, eight for the express line and four for the transit line, setting new standards for airport rail in Southeast Asia. In 2014, ERL ordered six additional CRRC trains (two for Ekspres and four for Transit), which entered service from 2017, boosting capacity and service quality.

Within just two years of launch, E-MAS achieved a 99.7% on-time performance, a benchmark it continues to maintain, cementing its reputation as one of the world’s most reliable airport rail services.

Expanding Expertise Beyond Borders

E-MAS has contributed its O&M consultancy to global rail projects, including Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport Link in collaboration with Deutsche Bahn International and Siemens Thailand, demonstrating its capability beyond Malaysia. 

Since 2012, ERL and E-MAS staff have been seconded annually to support operations of the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro in Makkah during Hajj. This includes deployments through 2019, with support resuming in 2022. In 2022 alone, they contributed to their ninth year of participation in the system’s high-pressure, seven-day seasonal operation.

Recognition and Industry Leadership

E-MAS has consistently set industry benchmarks, earning numerous accolades:

1. 2003 – First railway operator in Malaysia certified with ISO 9001.

2. 2012 – First railway operator certified with ISO 14001.

3. 2013 – Best Human Capital Management Award (SPAD Symposium).

4. 2016 – Land Public Transport Industry Award: Best Safety Practices (Rail).

5. 2019 – Accredited Centre for the National Dual Training System (NDTS).

Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

E-MAS applies traditional preventive and corrective maintenance, augmented by predictive techniques such as thermography, vibration, oil and power analysis, all managed through a computerised maintenance system for reliability and system autonomy. Aligned with ERL’s SESG (Safety, Environmental, Social, Governance) framework, the company is working to establish a carbon emission baseline and is advancing sustainability through initiatives like solar panel installations at stations and depots. These efforts contribute to energy efficiency and reduced reliance on grid power, with solar potentially supplying up to 10% of operational electricity needs.

Looking Ahead

With nearly 350 employees, E-MAS remains committed to safe, efficient, and sustainable railway operations. As Malaysia advances its green and digital economy, E-MAS is poised to drive innovation, sustainability, and human capital development, ensuring the KLIA Ekspres continues to be both a national gateway and a benchmark of operational excellence.