In a statement, RUM president Abdul Razak Md Hassan said pandemic restrictions were no excuse for the delays as the railway was categorised as an essential service and maintenance and repair works were eligible for exemption from the restrictions.

“KTM was allowed to operate as usual during the lockdown,” he said. “Any contractor carrying out KTM work was also exempted from the restrictions.”

Last week, Wee said workers of CRRC Dalian, the China-based company appointed to carry out the maintenance and repair works, were unable to enter the country due to border restrictions and the various movement control orders throughout the height of the pandemic.

Wee said the works were now back on track after the delay.

However, Razak said the union was dissatisfied with CRRC Dalian’s performance for failing to complete the maintenance and repair works within the contract schedule.

CRRC Dalian’s initial contract was to assist Syarikat Majestic Engineering Sdn Bhd service 20 Class 29 locomotives between November 2017 and November 2020. The contract was later extended to March 2022 with CRRC Dalian tasked with servicing only 10 locomotives instead.

Razak said the failure to complete the work had affected the railway’s income and in turn, affected the salaries of employees.

He criticised the transport ministry for defending CRRC Dalian when it clearly failed to carry out its responsibilities.

The ministry should refrain from awarding contracts that do not provide any benefits to the railway, its employees and the public, Razak said.