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Despite earlier hopes of a grand Aug 2025 debut, the long-awaited Electric Train Service (ETS) linking Gemas to JB Sentral remains off the rails. A recent inspection of the route from Segamat to Johor Bahru conducted by The Star revealed that the line is still a work in progress.
Critical electrification and signalling works, especially the 100km stretch between Kluang and JB Sentral, are far from complete. Without the essential overhead wiring (or the catenary system), electric trains simply can’t run.
Contact wires and other key components of the overhead line equipment (OHLE) have yet to be installed, putting a firm brake on any immediate launch. For context, OHLE is what supplies power to electric trains. Without it, the sleek, modern trains might as well be museum pieces.
Earlier in the year, Transport Minister Anthony Loke optimistically suggested the line might be ready by August. Now, even a year-end launch is looking less likely. And while Malaysians are no strangers to infrastructure delays, the letdown still stings — especially after months of anticipation.
Currently, ETS services operate only as far south as Kluang. The previous stretch, from Gemas to Segamat, officially opened in March. Yet even with advance tickets made available in June, no ETS journeys were offered beyond Segamat.
Meanwhile, KTMB has suspended ticket sales past Dec 2025, with no word on when Jan 2026 bookings will open.
Yuslizar Daud, a railway systems expert and former head of the now-defunct Land Public Transport Commission’s rail division, isn’t holding his breath. “From what I’ve seen, I doubt it’ll be ready by September,” he noted, pointing to the complexity of OHLE installation, testing, and final regulatory sign-off.
In short, the dream of breezing from KL to JB in under 5 hours is still far from materialising. For now, passengers can enjoy the scenic ride down to Kluang. But in order to reach Johor Bahru, you’ll still need a plan B.
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