KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering a new model by using the leasing method for products and assets for transportation services, such as trains, to maximise their lifespan, says Anthony Loke.

       The Transport Minister said that through this method, the government no longer focuses on buying new assets, but leasing them where the lessor will also be responsible for their maintenance.

       "We don't need to buy new assets, but we lease the product and the facility. This is because many transport sectors, especially airlines, don't buy aircraft, they lease the aircraft.

       "If we lease, the deal also includes maintenance, where the lessor is also responsible for maintenance and ensuring that the asset can be used to the maximum at all times," he said during the Ministers' Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat Thursday (March 14).

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       Loke was responding to a supplementary question from Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN-Jerantut) regarding maintenance of trains, which is estimated to cost approximately RM250mil to avoid technical problems during the festive season.

       Loke, in acknowledging maintenance as a big issue in railway services, said that the matter will be discussed with the Finance Ministry and Economy Ministry to see the suitability of the model in maximising transport services.

       Meanwhile, in response to a supplementary question from Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang) regarding additional stations along the Gemas-Johor Baru Double Track Project, Loke said that the ministry encouraged public-private partnership in collaboration with the Railway Asset Corporation (RAC) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB).

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       "The station is not necessarily built by the government. For example, in areas where there is a housing development, one of the things we can implement before approving the development plan is to get the developer to build an additional station with the cost to be borne by them (private)," he said.

       He said the availability of a train station connecting a residential area could increase the value of development and real estate in the area.

       Responding to Wong's original question about when the Gemas-Johor Bahru Twin Track Project will be fully completed, Loke said the 192-kilometer-long project is scheduled to be completed on April 21, 2025.

       He said KTMB also has plans to introduce KTM Commuter services in the southern sector for the Gemas - Paloh - Johor Baru route.

       The Ministry, through the Railway Asset Corporation, is working on an initiative to procure new electric train sets on a lease basis to be used for KTM Komuter services in the southern sector later, he said. - Bernama