ETS from JB to KL & Padang Besar Will Launch in December 2025

Malaysia’s highly anticipated Electric Train Service (ETS) is set to launch its new southern route to Johor Bahru in December 2025 – a milestone that will revolutionise rail travel across Peninsular Malaysia and strengthen connections to Singapore. This has been announced by Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke to The Straits Times (Singapore) on 29 July 2025. This is his fourth-recorded ETS launch date during his 2 tenures as Transport Minister.

Cover image from YB Anthony Loke.

On 18 April 2019, then-Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke announced that the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double Track Project (EDTP) was “slightly ahead of schedule” and was expected to be completed by October 2021. Malay Mail

On 14 March 2024, Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke announced that the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double Track Project (EDTP) was scheduled to be fully completed on 21 April 2025, along with KTM Komuter Southern Sector (KTM Komuter Selatan) services on the Gemas – Paloh – Johor Bahru route. BH (Berita Harian)

On 7 January 2025, Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke announced that the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double Track Project (EDTP) was “on track for completion” by the third quarter of 2025. Bernama

No, there is no ETS train to Segamat from 1 July 2024.

The ETS expansion is the final phase of Malaysia’s landmark West Coast electrification and double-tracking project, which began in 2011. The electrified route stretches from Padang Besar in the north, through Kuala Lumpur, and will extend from Gemas to JB Sentral in Johor Bahru via key stations such as Segamat, Kluang, and Kulai, covering about 192 km in this final segment. The upgraded line and new ETS service will operate at speeds of up to 140 km/h, and is said to cut the journey time between KL Sentral and JB Sentral to about 4–4.5 hours.

Along with reduced travel times, passengers can look forward to modern comforts onboard the new KTM 94 Class EMU (ETS3) fleet. Each trainset provides Business Class and Standard Class seats, charging ports, and ample luggage space to make journeys more comfortable and productive.

The December 2025 launch will coincide with significant changes in the Johor Bahru region’s transport landscape. The opened route will allow travellers to conveniently connect from Singapore, via the upcoming RTS Link (Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System) to JB Sentral, and then directly to locations along the west coast, including Kuala Lumpur and beyond. This is expected to help disperse increased commuter traffic brought by the RTS and support the economic and population growth in Johor Bahru and surrounding areas.

The electrified double-track project and modern ETS service also pave the way for further rail upgrades in southern Malaysia, including potential electrified commuter train services (KTM Komuter Selatan) in future.

Malaysia’s Transport Minister and Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) have both highlighted the immense impact this project will have – not only speeding up journeys but making rail a viable, comfortable alternative for millions along the West Coast corridor.

With the December 2025 ETS launch, travellers can look forward to faster, more reliable, and more convenient journeys between Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, and the rest of the Malaysian peninsula.

No Confirmed Date Announced By KTM Berhad

In a media statement on 3 August 2025, KTM Berhad reconfirms that Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke had announced earlier during the extension of ETS to Segamat that the operation of ETS in southern sector will be in phases (Segamat, Kluang and JB Sentral) depending on several critical technical milestones and regulatory approvals. KTMB is working with the relevant contractors and authorities in carrying out the commissioning protocol to ensure the next stretch, Kluang, becomes operational, at the soonest possible. Progress is ongoing for the next segment, with trial runs are currently ongoing.

KTMB REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO JOHOR ON ETS EXPANSION AMIDST TECHNICAL READINESS MILESTONES

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 August 2025 – Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) would like to address recent media coverage regarding the ETS extension from Segamat to Johor Bahru, and to provide assurance on our continued commitment to deliver a safe, modern and transformative rail service for the southern corridor.

As Minister of Transport had announced earlier during the extension of ETS to Segamat, the operation of ETS in southern sector will be in phases (Segamat, Kluang and JB Sentral) depending on several critical technical milestones and regulatory approvals.

Hence, KTMB is working with the relevant contractors and authorities in carrying out the commissioning protocol to ensure the next stretch, Kluang, becomes operational, at the soonest possible. Progress is ongoing for the next segment, with trial runs are currently ongoing.

KTMB’s primary responsibility is to ensure safety, reliability, and readiness before opening any new segment to the public.

We are pleased to share that the ETS service to Segamat has been successfully operating since March 2025, offering improved travel options and stimulating local economic activity.

KTMB wishes to thank all passengers, local stakeholders, and the public for their patience and continued support. We remain fully committed to making ETS travel to southern a success.

There is no confirmed operational date mentioned by KTM Berhad, and the December 2025 ETS launch has only been announced by Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke, not KTM Berhad. The December 2025 date given by Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke is his fourth-recorded ETS launch date during his 2 tenures as Transport Minister, which had been on October 2021, 21 April 2025, and third quarter of 2025 previously.