PUTRAJAYA, May 9 — A passenger train, hauled by a steam locomotive and featuring a traditional interior concept, will start operating in January next year, said Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) chief corporate officer Mohamed Suhaimi Yaacob.
He said the train, Tourism Heritage Steam Locomotive Train, is a collaboration between KTMB and Great Leisure Sdn Bhd, and is aimed to attract local and foreign tourists to enjoy the beauty of nature along the railway line.
“It promises a unique experience for passengers to enjoy the beauty of interesting tourist attractions along the railway line, especially on the forest route from Gemas, Negeri Sembilan to Tumpat, Kelantan,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference after the signing ceremony of the railway service agreement between KTMB and Great Leisure, here today, he said that Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth will be the initial destinations for the steam train service, before covering other destinations.
Meanwhile, Great Leisure’s managing director, Datuk Dzulfadly Abdullah, said that the interior decoration of the passenger coaches makes full use of the craft produced by local talents, which is currently about 70 per cent completed.
“The passenger seats will feature a design concept inspired by legendary P. Ramlee and Saloma,” he said.
Dzulfadly said passengers can not only use the service as a mode of transportation to tourist destinations but also use the train as a venue to hold any event including weddings.
“We have an open deck which is indeed reserved for special occasions,” he said, adding that presently they have yet to set the price for the event organising package, but promises that it will be at a special rate.
