KUALA LUMPUR: Masnizam Hisham is aware of the challenges that lie ahead, following her recent appointment as the Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) president and chief executive officer.
She said these challenges stemmed from Prasarana's wider business portfolios nowadays.
"Prasarana has expanded from its original function as a provider of bus services and urban rails to various other areas related to public transport.
"We are involved, among others, in transit-based development, commercial value optimisation through owned assets and exporting specialist expertise in project management and operation as well as public transport maintenance," said Masnizam.
The key challenges for Prasarana were not only to boost the number of ridership for Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), monorail and bus services, but also to optimise the company’s spending and investment.
"We need to fully use our expertise in various fields, including in rail and bus engineering, project management, commercial and administration.
"The pool of talents available in Prasarana have shown that they can manage world-class public transport system in Malaysia and also abroad," she said.
Masnizam, who is in Saudi Arabia to discuss on rail industry collaborations, added, Prasarana could play its part to raise Malaysia's image globally, especially in the public transport sector.
She also vowed to continue the tradition of excellence introduced by her predecessor, Datuk Seri Azmi Abdul Aziz.
"I am pleased to be given the trust to lead Prasarana operations," she said.
Masnizam, 46, has been with Prasarana for more than 12 years and held various posts including as the Legal Division head and company secretary at Rapid KL.
Before her appointment as Prasarana president and CEO, Masnizam was the CEO of Prasarana Integrated Management and Engineering Services Sdn Bhd.
Masnizam's appointment was announced by the Finance Ministry yesterday (Jan 18), effective immediately for a period of three years.