KTMB to promote railway tourism with operation of traditional steam train
KUCHING: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) is looking to promote railway tourism in Malaysia through the promotion of the Tourism Heritage Steam Locomotive Train, a 380kilometre train service along the scenic Kuala Lumpur Butterworth-Penang Heritage Ferry-Georgetown rail.
An initiative by Great Leisure Heritage Railway (GLHR), the traditional steam train route will feature two sets of trains that will operate once per day with one from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth and one train from Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur, respectively. Each train has a loading capacity ranging from a minimum of 192 passengers to a maximum of 320 passengers at any given time.
A signing ceremony of the railway service agreement was inked between KTMB and GLHR, witnessed by the Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT), Malaysian Rail Industry Corporation (MRDC) and Tourism Malaysia that was held in Putrajaya on May 9.
As the national rail operator, KTMB recognises the importance of promoting railway tourism to not only showcase the beauty of Malaysia’s railway network but also to provide travellers with a unique and unforgettable experience.
The collaboration will enhance both KTMB and GLHR’s service offerings, leading to a more sustainable railway transportation network.
KTMB customers will now have a wider range of destinations to travel to, which will indirectly promote tourism in the region.
According to GLHR, the heritage railways offer a unique way to learn about history, besides enjoying enchanting scenery whilst generating value-added prospects for cottage industries in art, craft, and culture to expand their economies.
Furthermore, the service creates employment opportunities for local experts, including skilled management and engineering personnel.
Other stakeholders involved in this initiative are Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture (MOTAC), KOP Tour & Travels, Agensi Perkhidmatan Awam Darat (APAD), Railway Asset Corporation (RAC), Tourism Malaysia, Kraftangan Malaysia, Penang Port Commission, SIRIM, Brahim’s Food Service, UniKL, UTM, International Hotel, Global Online Travel Agencies (Singapore, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, India), Malaysia Inbound and Outbound Travel Agencies.
The service is scheduled for operations in December 2023 and early bird tickets are now available for purchase now on Great Leisure Sdn Bhd website.