KTM Update: MPs question purchase of DMUs

Malaysian parliamentarians questioned the value and thinking behind the purchase of Diesel Multiple Unit trainsets at a cost of RM30 million.

Purchase of DMU trains questionable, MAAC asked to probe (Bernama)

[TRANSIT: versi Bahasa Malaysia dari Utusan di sini.]

KUALA LUMPUR Nov.10 — The Transport Ministry again became the focus of debate in the Dewan Rakyat when a number of lawmakers urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate it over the purchase of DMU (diesel multiple unit) commuter trains at RM30 million
which they regard as odd.

Datuk Ismail Kasim (BN-Arau) who raised the issue, said the way the trains were purchased raised suspicion, as not only the trains did not follow the standards and specifications as required, the purchase was not even approved by the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) board of directors.

“So, what is the rationale of spending RM30 on the trains when the Costa Rica and Argentina railways only bought DMUs which are 20 years old at (the equivalent of) RM10 million?” he asked.

Datuk Ahmad Hamzah (BN-Jasin) regarded the purchase of the four sets of DMU trains as strange as their speed was only 80kph. – Bernama

TRANSIT Says:

Finally! We really encourage MPs to ask as many questions as possible about public transport planning, purchases by Prasarana and KTMB etc.