THE government will set the direction regarding multiple rail service operators based on the results of a feasibility study being carried out.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the study is aimed at improving the governance and framework of the existing railway model including financial, economic, operational, social, regulatory and legal aspects.

“Aspects of operational sustainability and ecosystem improvement in railway management are always examined so that operators can continue to be competitive to provide the best service,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The minister was replying to Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang) who asked whether the government would be allowing more companies to compete in rail passenger services so that passengers have more commuting options.

The study, Loke said, also includes aspects of strengthening the main players in the railway industry, namely Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) and Railway Asset Corp (RAC), as well as the need to create new entities to support the entire sustainable and competitive ecosystem.

He added that the Transport Ministry has seen an opportunity to improve the railway management ecosystem for the mainline/intercity line sector currently operated by KTMB. – Bernama, June 12, 2023.