2025-08-05,KUALA LUMPUR

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) is currently facing several constraints in its efforts to further improve the scheduling of its passenger train services.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this is due to a shortage of train units, limited access to tracks and restricted train speeds.

"Restricted train speed issues are particularly in areas where major infrastructure and signalling upgrades are actively underway, including the Klang Valley, the Gemas–Johor Bahru and the East Coast sector," he said.

He said this in a written response to Chong Zhemin (PH–Kampar) regarding efforts to improve KTMB's schedule to meet public demand.

Loke said KTMB expects that improvements to the service schedule will be implemented in stages, in line with the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects.

However, he said improvements to the scheduling of KTMB's passenger train services are subject to the availability of trainsets and the condition of railway infrastructure.

"A sufficient number of trainsets is required to increase the frequency of passenger train operations.

"Among others, the railway infrastructure and KTMB's train control systems must be in optimal condition and allow trains to operate at full speed," he said.

Loke added that the government has issued a Letter of Acceptance through open tender for the procurement of 12 three-car sets on March 20 for the Northern Komuter service.

He said the government is also in the process of acquiring new trainsets through a leasing concept.

On March 24, Loke had said that the acquisition of 12 three-car sets was a key step in addressing the growing number of passengers in the northern sector, which recorded a 29 per cent increase from 12,668 passengers in 2023 to 16,363 this year.

He said the government issued a Letter of Acceptance on March 20 to CRRC Rolling Stock Center (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd through an open tender for the supply of 12 three-car set (3CS) electric trains for the service.