KTM on frequent fallen trees on its train tracks – no response from private land owners, local councils yet

KTM released a statement yesterday evening acknowledging that there were disruptions to the ETS and KTM Komuter services following a fallen tree on the train tracks between Rembau and Tampin, specifically at KM494.25 at 10.08 am. Electricity supply was disrupted in the sector, affecting train operations.

For now, trains will use one track, and this means delays of 120 minutes for ETS EG9442 (JB Sentral – Padang Besar), 60 minutes for ETS EP9524 (JB Sentral – KL Sentral) and 60 minutes for KTM Komuter No.2019 & 2015 (Batu Caves – Tampin – Batu Caves).

The train operator says that it has completed the cutting and removal of the tree, and the technical team is now working on repairing the electrical system to ensure that services are back to normal as soon as possible.

In the statement, KTM informed that the fallen tree was from outside of its reserve area, and such an incident also happened in December – that one broke 12 cantilever tubes. The company says that if prevention action and tree management doesn’t happen soon, repeat incidents can affect the smoothness of train operations, cause long delays and affects safety of rail users.

KTM says that it has taken a proactive move to determine land owners and parties with land reserves along its train lines, including local councils, private owners and other related parties. The rail operator has sent official letters to the parties to inform of the risks and the need for preventive measures, and is still waiting for their response.

The company points out that based on the statutory duties of the local council under Section 101(b) and Section 101(cc/i) of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), it is the duty of the local council to take appropriate action including trimming of cutting trees that pose a risk to avoid unwanted incidents. As such, KTM calls on the responsible parties to take appropriate action.