KAJANG: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has called for a review of three development projects on land owned by Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) that were approved through direct negotiation under the previous government.
Loke said the three projects on 13.7ha land were in Pudu, Bangsar and Batu Tiga and worth millions.
“Under the previous government, the approval was given in principle. But those were the days.
“Now we are looking into reviewing all three projects and to develop it through open tender or request for proposal.
“The move is to ensure that we can optimise the land and maximise the returns and subsequently improve rail services in the country,” he told reporters after a working visit to RAC headquarters here today.
Loke said RAC also has been instructed to list down other lands owned by them that were earmarked for development.
“RAC has many plots of land, including prime lands, near the tracks and stations which can be developed.
“This matter will be tabled in the Cabinet meeting next week,” he said.
Loke said RAC has RM35 billion worth of assets (based on 2005), which were mainly buldings and plots of land in the Peninsula.
“In terms of land size RAC has 12,833ha of land. Of the total; 3,719ha are for development and 9,113ha are reserved land.”
Meanwhile, commenting on parking facilities at KTM commuter station, Loke said RAC has been instructed to discuss the matter with local councils.
“At present, we do not have a standardised sytem on parking as some were operated by KTM and some by operators appointed by RAC.
“To solve this problem RAC will discuss it with the local councils. They need to decide whether to appoint operators or give it for free.”
During the press conference, Loke also gave his committment to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) personnel that they will be consulted (including their union), should restructuring take place.
“At the moment, we have no final decision on the matter but I assure that the KTMB personnel and their union will be consulted first to safeguard their welfare.”
He said at present, there was an overlapping of functions between RAC and KTMB.
Earlier, Loke was given a briefing by RAC general manager Dr Kang Tong Hum on the corporation’s asset management as well as railway services in the country.
Present were Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim and KTMB chief executive officer Mohd Rani Hisham Samsudin.
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