JOHOR BARU: Passenger train services will soon run along the Pasir Gudang-Kempas Baru route, previously reserved solely for cargo trains, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
He said the new service is expected to be operational within the next six to 12 months.
“Previously, this track only served freight needs, but we have discussed with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) about introducing passenger services as well.
“This is a high-population area with the potential to attract many passengers. As a start, we plan to use KTMB’s existing rolling stock to provide the service,” Loke said after the reopening of the line at the Pasir Gudang KTMB station here yesterday.
In the meantime, Loke said the Transport Ministry is identifying suitable spots along the 40km stretch to build passenger stops.
“There are currently no stations on this line, so we’re planning to set up simple but functional boarding points. These will not be fancy stations but they must be safe and practical for passengers,” he explained.
The reopening of the line comes after a six-month closure for upgrades.
Originally slated to take two years, the RM55mil project was fast-tracked by halting operations temporarily.
“This allowed us to complete the upgrades earlier, which has tripled the line’s cargo capacity and eased congestion in the area,” said Loke.
On a separate matter, Loke said the Land Public Transport Agency has issued revocation letters to e-hailing firms InDrive and Maxim.
“Effective July 24, InDrive and Maxim must cease operations in this country. The two companies can file appeals, but the final decision rests with me,” he said in response to questions about calls for the government to take action against the two companies for allegedly operating illegally.
The action follows pressure from the Malaysian P-Hailing Association, which accused the platforms of flouting regulations, including allowing drivers without valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences to operate.
“This is not only unfair to drivers who do hold valid PSV licences, but also compromises passenger safety,” the association said in a statement.
It also claimed that some drivers on the platforms lack e-hailing insurance and have not undergone vehicle inspections as required by the platform’s terms and conditions.
