JOHOR BAHARU, Jan 18 (Bernama) – The efficiency of the rail system in Japan
and Germany has made those countries among the best in the world in terms
of a smooth road traffic system.
However, the scenario is not quite the same in Malaysia, where people
still prefer private vehicles to public transportation.
National railway system Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has been
diversifying its rail transport options in a bid to encourage the public to
use public transportation.
In 2010, it introduced 14 coaches known as Blue Coach, through a
contribution from the Japanese government.
The coaches reached Malaysia on Dec 9, 2010, marking promising
changes for KTMB.
The Japanese rail system is reputable for its unsurpassed technology and it
is amazing how it managed to keep the 40-year-old system running in
optimum condition. The contribution is indeed an honour for KTMB and Malaysia.
MALAYAN TIGER TRAIN
The coaches had been renamed the Malayan Tiger, said KTMB Marketing
Manager Mohd Noordin Kimi when met during their launch by Transport Minister
Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, recently.
"We proposed the name because the service passes through east coast
states such as Pahang and Kelantan, where jungles are the habitat of Malayan
tigers.
“In Japan, they are known as Blue Coaches because they are blue, but we
renamed them so people will recognise them as KTMB coaches,” he said.
Mohd Noordin, who has been with KTMB for 31 years, said the coaches
were developed by the Japanese government in 1970. They were still in pristine
condition when they made their debut in Malaysia.
“Some RM7 million was spent on upgrades and renovations, including changing
Japanese influences on the coaches to one that reflects the Malaysian culture,”
he said.
However, Mohd Noordin said that some of the Japanese writings on the 14
coaches were left to preserve the markings of the manufacturing country.
“This is done in appreciation to the Japanese government. It may be changed
in the future, but for now, we will leave it for its historical significance.”
OPERATING IN THE EAST COAST
Mohd Noordin said the 14 coaches were different from others of KTMB as they
are taller and wider.
“Therefore, they are not suitable for operation on the west coast of the
Peninsula, where tracks come with electrical cables for the Komuter service.
This makes it potentially dangerous to travel on.”
Mohd Noordin said the Malayan Tiger Train started its pilot run on Dec 16,
2011 from the Johor Baharu Sentral (JB Sentral) station to the Tumpat station.
It was done to ensure there would be no problems, especially on the day of
the train’s launch.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
Mohd Noordin is confident that the train service will open up avenues to
futher improve the east coast sector, previously slightly left behind in terms
of infrastructure.
“News of the train starting operation in this country has resulted in early
bookings from foreign tourists, especially from Japan. The train service can
also help promote the east coast region,” he said.
The service runs once a day with seven coaches per trip.
A DIFFERENT FEEL
The writer had the chance to be on the train for two days and a night and
found the coaches to be as expansive as described, particularly in the dining
area. The sleeping quarters ares also comfortable and suitable for a family
vacation.
The train provides sleeping quarters for four with bunk beds, and seats next
to the window for passengers to enjoy the scenery outside.
“We will continue with upgrades in the future by adding a viewing gallery
where passengers can enjoy the scenery.
“We will also upgrade the toilets and equip passenger seats with dining
spaces,” he said.
Mohd Noordin said tickets for a one-way trip on the Malayan Tiger were
priced between RM49 and RM150.
PASSENGER VIEWS
Passengers who have tried the service give their thumbs-up for the
experience.
Zaki Che Hasyim, 39, said riding on the Malayan Tiger was an unforgettable
experience.
The trader from Pasir Mas, Kelantan, said: “I often go back and forth
between Pasir Mas and Kulai, Johor, for business purposes, so the comfortable
coach is a really welcome addition to our railways.”
Echoing his sentiment is Hakim Ayob, 24, who has been using the Gemas to
Johor Bahru rail service since 2005.
The serviceman finds the introduction of the coaches a promising sign of
good things to come for KTMB.
-- BERNAMA
MAF SHM INE RON
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