KUALA LUMPUR – The Transport Ministry is considering leasing train sets instead of buying them to enable better care and maintenance, said minister Anthony Loke.
He said this in response to Khairul Nizam Khirudin (Jerantut-PN), who asked about the measures taken by the ministry to ensure the effectiveness of train services for the coming festival and holiday season.
“We can’t just buy trains if we can’t maintain them properly. We must place importance on maintaining these trains.
“Trains, which typically have a lifespan of 30 years, are often retired by the 20-year mark due to poor maintenance,” he added.
Therefore, Loke said that the ministry was considering leasing the facility.
“Just like airline companies that lease their planes instead of buying the aircraft,” he added.
Loke said that when leasing trains, maintenance is inherently involved, and the leasing party assumes responsibility for its upkeep throughout the entire lease term to ensure maximum utilisation.
“This is something we will be discussing with the Economy Ministry and the Finance Ministry for the long-term durability of the modal,” he added. – March 14, 2024