Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar, a familiar face in the transit industry, is set to take up a new position as chief executive officer of Petra Transit Systems Sdn Bhd, a move that has piqued the interest of industry players and observers.
Shahril, who is the managing director and shareholder of Sungai Klang Expressway Sdn Bhd, said he would be joining Petra Transit Systems “most probably by Aug 1”.
“Datuk Vinod Sekhar (Petra Group chairman and chief executive) wants to grow his business, not only in transit, but in other areas as well,” said Shahril.
“I was made to understand that Petra Transit Systems now owns the intellectual property (IP) for monorail (design), and that he (Vinod) wants to grow the business beyond monorail.”
Petra Transit Systems acquired the IP from the liquidators of Scomi Rail in November 2020. The monorail design was used in the Mumbai Monorail project.
“Based on mutual understanding, the value I am able to bring, and the value he can bring to the table … there’s synergy there. There are many opportunities, not only in Malaysia, but also in the region,” he added.
Shahril confirmed he will still maintain his position with Sungai Klang Expressway, adding “there are no issues”.
Shahril started his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1999 and had worked at several organisations before being named Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chief operating officer in 2010. SPAD is now known as the Land Public Transport Agency.
His other credentials include serving Prasarana Malaysia Bhd as group managing director, and chief executive officer of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Corporation.
Vinod said Shahril was “the ideal choice”.
“We must have the best minds. Shahril is an old hand, having served in the SPAD, Prasarana Malaysia and MRT Corporation,” Vinod said.
“I can’t think of anyone better and stronger as we go forward globally. I want a Malaysian (to helm Petra Transit) and he is the ideal choice. He was hired as he is the best person (for the job).”
Vinod looked forward to seeing Shahril put Petra Transit Systems on the world map.
“Here’s a Malaysian, taking Malaysian intellectual properties (IPs), globally,” he added.