KTMB STAFF LEND HAND TO AL-MASHAAER TRAIN

from ZAINAL ABDUL JALIL

MAKKAH, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Some 64 Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB)employees
are lending their expertise in operating the Al-Mashaaer or Makkah Metro train.

They are attached to Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddasseh Southern Line, the Chinese
company responsible for the railway project. KTMB is the main operator in
Peninsular Malaysia.

KTMB safety and environment senior manager Abdul Mokti Zakaria said the first
group comprising ten officers and engineers began work on Aug 8 while the second
comprising 54 officers arrived on Nov 2.

Mokti said they are involved in technical, safety, training and management of
passengers and train stations.

"Success of the train service will raise our morale although the project is
implemented by a Chinese company," he told Malaysian media at Arafah station
Saturday.

He said the Makkah Metro infrastructure and system has been completed and ready
for operation next year.

KTMB staff will return to Malaysia after haj season and will return in March to
train staff of Makkah Metro.

Al-Mashaaer train can ferry 70,000 pilgrims hourly to holy sites of Arafah, Mina
and Muzdalifah, a distance of 18.5km.

The service meant only for Saudi haj pilgrims can ferry 750,000 pilgrims running
at speed of 80-120 kmh.
-- BERNAMA