RM1.4 billion to upgrade KTMB's commuter service

Some RM1.4 billion has been allocated to increase the frequency of Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) commuter service during peak hours.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the upgrading of the railway system would take some time and hopes it could be completed by 2020.

"KTMB is implementing the Klang Valley Double Track (KVDT) project to upgrade the signal link in the Klang Valley.

"They will extend it to Seremban as the signal link can increase the frequency level," he told reporters after opening the Negeri Sembilan MCA annual general meeting, here today.

Liow said the ministry is working with the state government in order to improve the level of service of public transport.

"We plan to improve the commuter service and will ensure incidents such as derailment would not recur as it would impact the people's confidence in the train service."

In another development, the minister said a team was set up to investigate the derailment of a KTMB cargo train at Kampung Bakap, Batu Gajah in Perak on Friday.

The derailment caused thousands of passengers of the Electric Train Service (ETS) to be stranded at the Ipoh railway station. -- Bernama