(Yicai Global) Aug 4 –  China's bicycle-sharing company Ofo has put 500 bicycles into operation in Malacca city as part of the company' expansion to Malaysia, it said in a statement yesterday.

Malaysia becomes Ofo's sixth overseas market, following Singapore, the US, the UK, Kazakhstan and Thailand. The firm plans to increase the number of bikes to 2,000 by the end of August in order to meet demand during the peak tourist season.

"Ofo represents a green and environment-friendly project; it is a low-carbon and economic travelling concept that will help Malacca to build a sustainable, green and technical city. We are very honored to be the first Malaysian city to successfully bring in Ofo. We will provide a more advanced and convenient means of travelling service to our citizens and tourists," said Yab Datuk Seri Ir. Idris Haron, the chief minister of state for Malaysia.

"Malaysia is not only China's strategic partner, but also an important hub for the Belt and Road. We chose Malaysia as the first stop because we hope to inherit the tradition of the Maritime Silk Road, better serve local people and tourists, help the locals when traveling, build a greener city, and improve and optimize the local traffic system," Cao Xiao, Ofo's head of Asia-Pacific, said.