KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 1 -- Malaysia's national rail operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is looking to integrate its network with neighbouring countries, including Thailand, Laos and China, as part of efforts to boost revenue and reduce its reliance on government funding.

Newly appointed acting chief executive officer Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin told Singapore's CNAhis immediate priority is to revive cross-border routes, including the once-popular scenic service between Butterworth in Penang and Bangkok which was suspended in 2016.

In his first media interview since taking over the post earlier this month, Ahmad Nizam, 54, stressed that greater regional integration would allow KTMB to tap into new markets and strengthen its freight s...