KTMB reports nearly weekly livestock collisions on the Gemas-Tumpat route, causing RM100,000 in annual losses and significant service disruptions.
KUALA KRAI: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is incurring an estimated loss of RM100,000 annually due to livestock collisions on its tracks.
The incidents damage assets and disrupt the smooth running of train operations on the East Coast.
KTMB’s operation control acting general manager, Sadun Abdullah, said the collisions also affect livestock farmers when their animals are killed.
He reported that incidents involving roaming livestock on the Gemas-Tumpat route occur almost every week, with a rising trend recently.
“Every obstacle on the track affects the travel schedule, operational safety and quality of service,” he told reporters.
Sadun was speaking at the KTMB Santuni Pelajar Wilayah Timur Pantai event in conjunction with the opening of the 2026 school session.
He appealed for cooperation from livestock farmers to ensure their animals are not left free near the railway tracks.
To address the issue, KTMB has implemented measures including advisory services to farmers and safety campaigns.
The company has also held meetings with village heads in the affected areas.
Public awareness efforts have been expanded through the distribution of safety leaflets at nearby suraus and mosques.
