Faster, smoother rail travel

The next generation: Dr Wee launching the DMU trains at the Wakaf Baru Station. With him is Kelantan Works, Infra­struc­ture, Transportation and Utilities Committee chairman Datuk Azami Mohd Nor (right). — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) hit another milestone with the launch of its Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains for the east coast route between Kelantan and Pahang.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the DMU trains were being introduced specifically to replace KTM’s conventional diesel trains for the KTM Intercity East Coast rail link between Tumpat and Kuala Lipis.

“They will reduce travel time as the average speed of the train is about 100kph, compared to the conventional trains that run between 50kph and 60kph.

“It represents the successful cooperation between the Federal Government and the east coast states, which would benefit the rakyat, ” he said when launching the DMU trains at the Pasir Mas station in Kelantan yesterday.

Dr Wee said the new trains would have a direct impact on the people in Kelantan and Pahang, adding that it would further boost economies there including tourism and downstream manufacturing sectors.“An allocation of RM380mil was set aside for 13 DMU trains which will commence operations between Tumpat and Kuala Lipis, ” he said.

The DMU trains, covering 216km from Tumpat and Gua Musang and 94km from Gua Musang to Kuala Lipis, would be fully operational in stages.

Dr Wee added that there would be special fares, particularly for students and the disabled, who need only pay for the DMU train service at a flat rate of RM5 a month through the purchase of the MyRail5 unrestricted monthly pass.

Such passengers, however, must first register for their passes, he said.

He added that safety tests had been carried out.

With the nation’s 136-year rail service described as a “national treasure”, Dr Wee said that it must be maintained and improved for the use of future generations.

As such, he advised commuters to take care of the DMU trains by ensuring their cleanliness and avoiding vandalism.

The Tumpat-Gua Musang-Kuala Lipis route represents the first phase of the upgrading process.

The second phase will cover routes to Gemas, Negri Sembilan, while the third phase will cover the Gua Musang-Mentakab stretch along the Pahang route.