Malaysia
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After a long pause since its announced delay in August, the Electric Train Service (ETS) linking KL and JB is finally on track for its debut on 12 Dec 2025. It marks a milestone for a smoother north–south journey in Malaysia.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that KTMB’s ETS service between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur will begin welcoming passengers on the same day.
The celebration begins early though, as His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, is scheduled to officiate the launch in Johor Bahru on 11 December.
In its first phase, the ETS will run between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur. Longer-distance trips to destinations such as Padang Besar and Butterworth will follow in later stages once the network settles into a steady rhythm.
Loke explained that the extended routes can only run two trips daily, one northbound and one southbound, while the JB to KL sector will see more frequent services to meet expected demand.
Travellers heading to the northern states from Johor Bahru will need to switch trains in Kuala Lumpur for the time being. The same applies for the return journey.
Despite the upcoming launch, KTMB has yet to release ETS tickets for the Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur sector at the time of writing.
For reference, the KL-JB ETS ride from Kuala Lumpur to Kluang takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours with 9 stops along the way, including Bandar Tasik Selatan, Kajang, Seremban, Pulau Sebang, Batang Melaka, Gemas, Segamat, Labis, Bekok and Paloh.
Cross-border connectivity was another topic raised. Talks between Malaysia and Singapore on enabling e-hailing services across the border are progressing, with a memorandum of understanding expected during the annual leaders’ retreat on 4 Dec.
If finalised, it could reshape daily travel for thousands who move between both cities. How do you see these changes shaping your next trip?
