Union protests plans to move KTMB HQ from iconic building

 It says the government’s Railway Assets Corporation, which owns the building, wants to move 478 staff to rented premises in Brickfields.

The iconic Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd headquarters, which has been declared a heritage building, sits in a prime location next to Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

 Talk of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) moving its headquarters from the iconic 121-year-old building on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin here has resurfaced, prompting strong protest from the Railwaymen’s Union of Malaya (RUM).

Although the government denied such plans two years ago, a source said that Railway Assets Corporation (RAC), the government entity which owns the building, recently informed the KTMB management of its intention to relocate the headquarters.

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook had denied plans to force KTMB to move out, saying only an offer had been made for it to relocate free of charge to Menara RAC, built in 2023 on Jalan Tun Sambanthan in Brickfields.

He also dismissed talk that YTL Corporation, which owns Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, located next to the headquarters, was planning to take over and redevelop the building into a high-end hotel.

Loke said it would be preserved as a heritage building under government ownership through RAC.

Plans to move the headquarters from the current building were first announced in 2010 but fizzled out after protests by RUM.

Nevertheless, speculation persists that several private companies have been eyeing the building – a well-known Kuala Lumpur landmark, built in the early 20th century – for redevelopment into a high-end hotel.

The source said RAC wants the headquarters relocated to the 16th to 20th floors and the 33rd floor of Bangunan TNB Dua Sentral. It is understood that workstation plans for the proposed premises have been submitted to KTMB for consideration.

“RAC says although only 478 staff will be placed across the six floors, there is enough room for 515 employees. They want official confirmation from KTMB to proceed with the plans and set a deadline,” the source said.

RUM president Faizal Shahibul Kiraya, who confirmed hearing of the plan, said the move was unacceptable as the headquarters building was not only a national landmark but also part of KTMB’s identity.

“The move is akin to evicting the owners and forcing them into rented premises. Most of the staff have expressed their unhappiness and objections to us.

“We urge RAC to protect the heritage status of the building and KTMB as the original occupant,” he told FMT.

Faizal said if RAC proceeded with the plan, the union would not hesitate to take industrial action to protect the heritage building.

He added that RUM would send letters objecting to the move to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Loke, and all Cabinet ministers.

FMT has reached out to KTMB and RAC for comment. - FMT