Livestock mishaps cost RM100k a year, says KTMB

All on board: Sadun (third from left) interacting with students from Kuala Gris, who were on a KTMB service to SMK Dabong, during the KTMB Santuni Pelajar Sekolah Wilayah Pantai Timur programme. — Bernama

KUALA KRAI: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) is facing an estimated loss of RM100,000 a year following incidents of livestock collisions on the tracks.

Such incidents are also disrup­ting the smooth running of train operations on the East Coast.

KTMB’s operation control ­acting­ general manager Sadun Abdullah said farmers also suffer losses when their livestock are killed as a result of collisions with trains.

He reported that incidents involving livestock roaming along the Gemas-Tumpat route occur almost every week, and the trend is showing an increase.

“Every obstacle on the track impacts the travel schedule, opera­tional safety and service quality.

“That is why KTMB appeals for the cooperation of farmers to ensure that their livestock is not left roaming near the tracks,” he told reporters at the KTMB Santuni Pelajar Wilayah Pantai Timur programme yesterday, Bernama reported.

To address the issue, Sadun said KTMB has implemented several measures.

This includes providing advi­sory services to farmers, conduc­ting safety campaigns, and hol­ding meetings with village heads in affected areas.

He said KTMB has also expan­ded public awareness by distri­buting safety leaflets to nearby suraus and mosques to raise awareness among local residents.