No job losses at KTMB arising from train leasing deal with China, says Anthony Loke

KUALA LUMPUR: Those working under KTM Bhd (KTMB) will continue to work and maintain the 62 train sets acquired following the leasing deal with China, says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister gave the assurance that no one in KTMB will lose their jobs due to the leasing deal between Malaysia and China.

“This is something that has been discussed prior to the decision. There is no need for the Railwaymen Union of Malaya (RUM) to worry.

“No one will lose their job. The deal is to increase and empower KTMB services so more people can use it,” he said after witnessing the agreement signing between Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd and Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd here on Tuesday (Aug 20).

Loke said this when asked about RUM’s concerns over the rolling stock leasing deal valued at RM10.7bil.

On Aug 14, Loke said train services and railway coverage in Malaysia are set for a facelift with the leasing of 62 new passenger train sets from China by 2027.

He said that the leasing is part of the first phase of a government-to-government (G2G) initiative, and added that the estimated RM10.7bil cost will be covered in installments over a 30-year period.

Loke added that the initiative is aimed at addressing the current challenges of train availability and reliability, especially for the ETS and KTM Komuter services as only 68 reliable train sets are currently in operation.

The new leasing arrangement with China’s CRRC – a leading railway manufacturer with presence in Malaysia – will help upgrade the KTMB network and prevent further deterioration of service quality, he added.

Additionally, the 62 new passenger train sets in Phase One will consist of 36 three-car set (3CS) electric multiple unit (EMU) sets, 12 six-car (6CS) EMU sets, and 14 6CS diesel multiple unit (DMU) sets. (ends)