aaLoke denies KTMB cargo services takeover rumours

 

Loke Siew Fook said the transport ministry is working on increasing KTMB’s cargo capacity to shift cargo services to the railways.

KUALA LUMPUR: Transport minister Loke Siew Fook has denied rumours about a potential takeover of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd’s (KTMB) cargo services by a private entity.

He said the rumours are not true and the services will continue to be provided by KTMB.

“I’ve turned off the rumours. Changes in KTMB’s structure must be discussed, and if we don’t have a decision, it won’t happen,” he said after the KTMB workers’ union conference here today.

His comments are in response to a claim by union president Faizal Shahibul Kiraya, during his opening remarks at the conference, of the rumour.

Loke said his ministry is working on increasing KTMB’s cargo capacity to shift cargo services to the railways.

In addition, he said, the Electric Train Service (ETS) will be expanded after the completion of the Gemas-Johor Bahru electrified double-tracking rail project.

He said the project is the “missing link” that will connect services from the northern part of the peninsula to the south, as ETS is the most demanded service by railway users nationwide.

“Once the Gemas-Johor Bahru track is completed, the ETS will be expanded to offer services and complete our dual-track network from the north to the south, from Padang Besar to Johor Bahru,” he said. - FMT