Railway union opposes plans to privatise management, maintenance

PETALING JAYA: The railway workers union is objecting to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd’s (KTMB) plans to privatise the management and maintenance of the country’s rail network.

Railwaymen’s Union of Malaya (RUM) president Faizal Shahibul Kiraya said he had earlier this month sighted a document outlining plans to engage a private firm to manage and maintain the country’s rail network.

However, Faizal insisted that KTMB already has sufficient fully trained technical personnel, well-versed with the system, to manage and operate the rail network effectively.

He claimed that bringing in a third party to manage and maintain the rail network could lead to locals losing out on job opportunities in the long run.

Faizal said RUM had, on June 10, sent letters to the transport minister and the KTMB CEO registering its “strongest objection” to the privatisation plan.

“It will not only allow third parties to access the network easily but will also affect the future of skilled KTMB workers,” he said when contacted, adding that RUM has yet to receive any response.

Faizal said contracting a third party to manage and maintain the railway network could lead to an increase in operational costs which would ultimately be passed on to commuters.

“The public and KTMB employees should not be victimised because of poor management.”

FMT has reached out to KTMB for comment.