New shine: A northbound ETS train exiting the Berapit twin tunnels near Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
Upgrade to involve 18 sets servicing ETS, Komuter lines
BATU GAJAH: KTM Bhd’s ageing ETS and Komuter train sets are set to undergo refurbishment to enhance service capacity and frequency, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister added that approximately 18 older sets of ETS and Komuter trains require refurbishment, with some necessitating significant overhauls.
“Thus the ministry is carrying out the programme to refurbish some of the older sets, and within the next few months, contracts will be awarded,” he told reporters after attending KTM Bhd’s Academy’s 6th convocation ceremony here yesterday.
Loke said it was impossible to add extra coaches to the ETS as it came in a fixed set of six coaches, unlike old trains pulled by locomotive.
Loke said the ministry is currently hampered by insufficient rolling stock when it comes to increasing frequency and capacity of the trains.
“However during festive seasons we try our best to add more trips to ensure safe travels for passengers.
“Similarly for the coming Ramadan and Hari Raya, more trips will be added,” he added.
On the matter of MYAirline Sdn Bhd, Loke said that a potential investor had withdrawn from the deal, leaving the airline’s future uncertain.
He said the ministry received a letter from the company on Wednesday stating that they would not be continuing with their intention of investing in the airline.
“On what will be their next step, I am not able to answer.
“I met with the potential investors last month and told them that they needed to comply with all processes in terms of regulations.
“I told them that all refunds must be made to customers and that issues concerning salaries of staff must also be settled first,” he added.
MYAirline suspended its operations on Oct 12 last year leaving about 125,000 passengers with tickets worth over RM20mil in the lurch.
The airline has yet to pay the salaries of about 900 employees, while the reimbursement of 117,000 passengers is still ongoing.
Last November, MYAirline said the company was negotiating with 15 potential investors to resolve its financial problems, which included securing capital to refund some RM22mil to customers for tickets they had purchased before its abrupt suspension.
Quoting sources, Bernama reported on Jan 12 that MYAirline had signed a sale and purchase agreement in late December 2023 with an investor from the Middle East.
