Open double-tracking railway to other operators - Transport Ministry

The Ministry of Transport has proposed that the double-tracking railway be opened to other operators other than Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), to maximise usage.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said this was because KTMB was expected to utilise only 30 per cent of the railway operation.

"The move will generate more revenue via competition and service payments from other operators," he said at a thanksgiving ceremony organised by the Railway Workers Union of Malaysia (KPPKTMB) here, today.

He said the proposal was still at the discussion stage before being submitted to the government.

Also present was KTMB chairman Ir Nawawi Ahmad, Lembah Pantai Umno Division chief Datuk Seri Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin and KPPKTMB president Abdul Razak Md Hassan.

Meanwhile, Aziz expressed his relief when a union crisis ended with an apology from new KTMB president Lt Col (R) Sarbini Tijan, who was appointed on May 1, to all 97 personnel who were sacked.

All those sacked were reabsorbed into their respective posts from the same date of their dismissal.

Meanwhile, Abdul Razak said he was confident that the employer and union would continue to work-hand-in-hand in future following closure of the crisis that persisted for almost one year.