KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 20): The government intends to enhance public transport services of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) by increasing its passenger train assets, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said.
Loke also gave his assurance that the addition of 62 new passenger train sets, with an estimated cost of RM10.7 billion, would not negatively affect KTMB staff or lead to job losses.
“The government will cover the cost of leasing these trains, and this is part of a government contract. KTMB is a government-owned company, and will receive the necessary funding support from the government if needed.
“We have considered aspects such as maintenance, repairs and KTMB staff. This was thoroughly discussed before this decision was finalised. Therefore, KTMB employees need not worry about job losses. No one will lose their jobs.”
He said this at a press conference after the signing ceremony of a sale and purchase agreement for parking spaces between Malaysia Rapid Transit System and Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd.
Loke further said that the increase in the number of KTMB passenger trains is an effort to provide the best service to users, and address public complaints about declining service quality.
On Aug 14, Loke said the government had decided to adopt a new strategy for acquiring passenger train assets for the KTMB railway network through a leasing method.
He said the leasing method would be implemented through a government-to-government mechanism between Malaysia and China to enhance the quality of public transportation services.
For Phase 1 from 2024 to 2027, the government aims to add 62 new passenger train sets at an estimated cost of RM10.7 billion, to be paid in instalments over a 30-year lease period.
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