TRANSIT took note of the following article, which states that the Railwaymen’s Union has objected to the setting up of a separate subsidiary for the ETS service which will be offered by KTM beginning in March 2010.
Railwaymen’s union objects to KTM subsidiary for ETS
17 December 2009
PETALING JAYA: The Railwaymen’s Union of Malaysia has objected to plans to set up a subsidiary company for KTM Bhd’s (KTMB) Electric Train Set (ETS).
Union president Abdul Razak Md Hassan said this was an “unwise move” that would not only affect KTMB’s core business but also liquidate its revenue, as it would be channelled to the subsidiary.
“We strongly object to the KTMB management’s decision to create an ETS subsidiary. It is also not practical as there are only five ETS sets.
“There is no need for a subsidiary. The KTMB management can set up a new department or a new strategy business unit by just appointing a managing director to oversee the ETS unit.
“This will not only save administration costs but also increase KTMB’s revenue,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Abdul Razak also listed 14 reasons and claims why the move should be shot down, including the fact that the government allocation was to KTMB and not to any subsidiary.
The union, Abdul Razak said, was appealing to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to step in and help resolve the issue, adding that an objection letter was sent to the KTMB president, Najib and Members of Parliament.
TRANSIT Says:
We understand the nature of the complaint from the Railwaymen’s Union and would like to read the 14 reasons why the setting up of the ETS Sdn. Bhd. subsidiary is an unwise move before we comment.
For the moment, we understand that the decision by KTMB’s president Dr. Aminuddin is in line with the government’s goal of corporatization and eventual privatization of KTMB.
As Dr. Aminuddin mentioned, he is willing to see KTMB’s monopoly liberalized and rail services opened to competition if it means better services for the commuters.
At the same time, TRANSIT expresses our concerns about the pace of liberalization. There is evidence from Europe and the UK (which we have mentioned to Dr. Aminuddin) which shows the advantages and disadvantages of deregulation of the monopoly and introducing competition into the marketplace.
We invite Union president Abdul Razak Md Hassan to contact TRANSIT and share a copy of their memo regarding the ETS Subsidiary so we can discuss the issue with greater knowledge.
We can be reached at klangvalley.transit@gmail.com.
Transit Malaysia 
2 replies on “KTM Update: RMU objects to ETS for KTM”
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[…] the RMU is not happy with Dr. Aminuddin. They have expressed their concern about the setting up of ETS Sdn. Bhd. as a subsidiary of KTMB, rather than a division like Komuter, Freight and Intercity. The group also expressed their […]
To share my exps with ets today from kl central to batu gajah. My husband had purchase a ticket for me on 5th of Feb where he had clearly mention to the reception request for seat which is heading towards journey,meal coach & window seat. I saw the ticket which was given to me not as i request. Today i had went to the ticketing reception the staff at the counter was not helping enough for my situation, i request to change my ticket according to my request insted she mention there will be a penalty charges of 50% apply for changing the ticket. First of all its not my last minute request for the seat but it was not given accordinglly. Its upsets me very much. Before i get in to the train i had explain my situation to the operation staff Ms Noramira and Ms Norashikin they had gave me their seat. They not only impressed me but make me WOW at them. I had travelled most of the time via ets i do not have any issue with operation staff. I think the counter staffs need more trng.