DMU trains to boost East Coast economic, tourism sectors

 

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also hoped that the DMUs which are worth RM380 million would benefit the people, especially in Kelantan and Pahang. -NSTP/NIK ABDULLAH NIK OMAR

PASIR MAS: The Government hopes that the introduction of the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains which were launched today will boost the economic, social, and tourism sector in the East Coast states.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also hoped that the DMUs which are worth RM380 million would benefit the people, especially in Kelantan and Pahang.

For a start, he said five of the 13 DMU trains would start operations in the East Coast alignment involving Tumpat-Gua Musang and Gua Musang-Kuala Lipis.

"These DMU trains are much better than conventional trains in terms of comfort for passengers.

"The train's service is equivalent with developed countries and this is proof that the government is not only focusing on the Klang Valley but also the East Coast states," he said in a press conference after launching the DMU trains at the Pasir Mas Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) station here today.

Also present at the launching were deputy transport minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and State Works, Infrastructure, Transport and Utilities Committee chairman Datuk Azami Mohd Nor.

Wee said the project was part of the Government's transformation efforts to help the public particularly those who have been using the train as their daily mode of transportation.

"Trains are used by students in remote areas such as Dabong and Kuala Geris and with this new train, they will be more comfortable when going to school," he added.

Earlier, Wee and other delegates boarded the train at the Tumpat station before ending their journey at the station here.

The DMU trains were procured to replace the KTM Intercity conventional diesel train service.

Each coach has 204 seats and equipped with modern facilities, such as LED screens, power sockets, prayer room, toilet, bistro, and parcel storage space.

The train also has four seats and toilets for persons with disabilities.

-nst online.