Rembau–Tampin Fallen Tree Incident Highlights Urgent Safety Concerns for KTM Train Operations
KTM Berhad has once again faced operational disruptions following a fallen tree incident, underscoring the urgent need for immediate action by relevant authorities to safeguard rail operations and passenger safety. Earlier today at 10.08am, a tree collapsed along the Rembau–Tampin rail corridor at KM494.250, affecting both Electric Train Service (ETS) and KTM Komuter operations. The incident caused a power supply disruption in the affected sector, directly impacting train movements along the route.
Service Disruptions and Delays
As a temporary measure, train operations are currently being managed using a single track, which has resulted in knock-on delays across several services. The trains affected at the time of reporting include:
- ETS Gold EG9442 (JB Sentral – Padang Besar): delayed by approximately 120 minutes
- ETS Platinum EP9524 (JB Sentral – KL Sentral): delayed by approximately 60 minutes
- KTM Komuter Services No. 2019 & 2015 (Batu Caves – Tampin – Batu Caves): delayed by more than 60 minutes
KTMB’s technical teams have successfully completed the removal of the fallen tree, and repair works on the electrification system are currently underway. Every effort is being made to restore normal operations safely and as swiftly as possible.
A Recurrent Issue Beyond KTMB’s Railway Reserve
KTMB has clarified that the fallen tree was located outside the company’s rail reserve. Worryingly, a similar incident occurred in December last year, which resulted in damage to 12 cantilever tubes, further highlighting the recurring nature of the problem.
KTMB warns that without immediate preventive action and proper tree management by the relevant parties, such incidents may continue to disrupt rail services, cause prolonged delays, and pose serious safety risks to passengers and rail infrastructure.
Proactive Measures and Legal Responsibilities
In response, KTMB has proactively identified landowners and stakeholders with land adjacent to the railway alignment, including Local Authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan, PBT), private landowners, and other relevant parties. Official letters have been issued to inform them of the potential risks and the urgent need for preventive measures. At the time of writing, KTMB is still awaiting further responses.
KTMB also emphasised that, under Section 101(b) and Section 101(cc)(i) of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), Local Authorities have a statutory duty to take appropriate action, including pruning or felling hazardous trees, to prevent incidents of this nature.
Call for Immediate Action
KTMB strongly urges all responsible parties to act without delay and implement the necessary mitigation measures to ensure the smooth operation of rail services and the continued safety of all rail users.
The company will continue its recovery efforts and maintain close monitoring until services return to normal. Updates will be shared through KTMB’s official communication channels as the situation develops.
Passengers requiring assistance are encouraged to approach on-duty station staff or contact the KTMB Call Centre at 03-9779 1200.
KTMB sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused and extends its heartfelt appreciation to passengers for their patience and cooperation throughout this disruption.