MB: Land loaned to KTMB not for sale

The Selangor government has stated that state land alienated to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) was not for sale.

In a press release today, Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said this was a "reminder", in view of news reports that KTMB will soon be privatised.

“As a reminder, any vacant or occupied land used for train services that has not been reserved or transferred to the Federal Land Commission or the Train Asset Board, are state land,” said Khalid.

Currently, the federal government is in talks with Malaysian Mining Corporation Bhd, controlled by tycoon Syed Mokhtar Al Bukhary, on KTMB's privatisation plans.

“The state government is concerned about this, particularly since the deal appears to be through direct negotiations which can result in public assets falling into the hands of a private company,” Khalid said.

The Railwaymen Union of Malaya has opposed the plan, warning that its members will stand to suffer.