Loke said the delays would be resolved once phase one of the Klang Valley double track project (KVDT1) was completed.

“It is true that there are service problems due to the ongoing construction and upgrading of our twin tracks and this affects operations, especially the frequency of trains and of course the (waiting) time at the station is longer, that’s why there are many complaints.

“We will continue to discuss with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) on how to increase the frequency of trains to overcome this operational challenge,” he told reporters after the signing ceremony of KTMB’s 10th collective agreement (CA) with the KTMB Workers Union (RUM) here today.

Also present were KTMB group CEO Rani Hisham Samsudin and RUM president Abdul Razak Md Hassan.

Loke also said that the minor delays did not mean that KTMB services were no longer popular among commuters.

Citing KTMB’s Electric Train Service (ETS), Loke said the service was popular and many people complained about not being able to get tickets.

“So it is not accurate to say KTMB services are not popular. This issue only involves one sector which is the Klang Valley Komuter because there is an operational problem and we acknowledge this problem,” he said.

The CA, meanwhile, contains salary adjustment proposals involving KTMB staff as well as the added value of existing facilities and benefits to union members and staff which were approved by the finance ministry through a letter dated Jan 13.

In his speech, Rani said the finance ministry had approved a salary adjustment of 12% to all grade 9 and 10 non-executive staff and an adjustment of 15% for grade 11 and 12 staff.