KTMB Targets Bangkok Route Revival, Rail Links To China

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad’s (KTMB) new acting CEO, Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin, wants Malaysia’s railways to stretch far beyond the nation’s borders linking not just to Thailand, but eventually China and even Europe.

In his media interview with CNA, the 54-year-old said reviving the once-popular scenic route between Butterworth and Bangkok is high on his list.

“We’re working with our Thai counterparts to bring back the service that was suspended in 2016,” he told the news portal, adding that double-tracking and integrated ticketing will be part of the plan.
On the freight side, Ahmad Nizam is pushing to restart the ASEAN Express, a cross-border cargo train launched last year but stalled by customs hurdles. 

“Some countries still lack scanning equipment, which forces every container offloaded for checks. Others block certain products entirely

“If we can clear these obstacles, we can resume services to Chongqing and maybe one day, even Europe,” he explained. 
KTMB’s cargo ambitions align with government calls for the loss-making firm to turn profitable. 

Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently reminded KTMB that despite decades of operations it has not yet reached break-even.

Ahmad Nizam said he is determined to fix that. 

“Making profits and being more independent has always been the ultimate aim. It hasn’t happened yet but that’s what I want to deliver,” he was quoted as saying.

Source: CNA.