Cargo rail line from Kempas to Johor Port in Pasir Gudang halted due to poor track conditions
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PETALING JAYA – A cargo-only rail line in Johor operated by Malaysia’s KTM railway company (KTMB) that moves thousands of containers each month has been ordered to suspend services by the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).
The order for the 40km stretch between Kempas Baru and Johor Port in Pasir Gudang came following an inspection by the regulator this week, with KTMB confirming that it received the order on Sept 25 from Apad.
Sources told The Star that the track is in poor condition, necessitating slower train speeds due to a high risk of derailment if the cargo moves too quickly, though The Star understands that KTMB is negotiating with Apad and other authorities to defer the suspension.
KTMB said the order, issued by the rail regulator, cites serious safety concerns over the condition of the track. The track has been in use since the 1980s, though it has been rehabilitated from time to time.
This suspended stretch is a crucial link connecting the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) with Johor Port, while the other segment from Kempas Baru to PTP measures 31km.
Both ports are managed by MMC Corp, while the track is owned by the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC). Transport and Finance ministry representatives sit on the RAC board.
The track is an important cargo rail link as it provides an alternative to the congested Pasir Gudang Highway.
In Nov 23, 2017, the then Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) directed Ktmb to suspend its cargo operations along the Rawang-Salak Selatan stretch in the Klang Valley following a train derailment at the Bank Negara Komuter station, which disrupted travel for many passengers.
Back then, Spad also asked KTMB to review and improve its freight wagon operational procedures to ensure safety.
In April, Pasir Gudang Mayor Asman Shah Abd Rahman said the currently “underutilised” track can be used for passenger service to boost the city’s public transport network.
“Pasir Gudang has included a proposal in the city’s Local Plan 2030, which has been endorsed by the state government,” said the mayor to The Star.
“We have submitted this plan under the Pasir Gudang Local Plan 2030, which has been endorsed by the Johor state government,” he added. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
