KTMB’s ETS3 service between Johor Bahru and KL Sentral begins December 12, offering higher frequency trips with King’s inauguration expected.
KLUANG: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd’s Electric Train Service 3 between Johor Bahru and KL Sentral will commence operations on December 12.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook announced the service inauguration ceremony is scheduled for December 11 in Johor Bahru.
The ministry has sought consent from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to officiate the launch event.
Loke said the initial focus will be the Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur route to allow higher train frequencies compared to longer northern routes.
“For shorter journeys like Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur, the service can run more frequently,” he told reporters after opening the 2025 Kluang Rail Festival.
The minister explained that longer northern routes can only accommodate two daily trips due to distance constraints.
The ETS3 route from Kuala Lumpur to Kluang was launched last August with Sultan Ibrahim personally driving the train.
These trains can operate at speeds up to 140 km/h between KL Sentral and Kluang Station.
Regarding the Automated Transit Flow System Project, Loke confirmed development is ongoing without delays.
The project is currently at the request-for-proposal evaluation stage being refined by the Public Private Partnership Unit.
Several initial proposals did not meet required standards, according to the transport minister.
“The ministry will work with UKAS to expedite the awarding process for the project,” Loke added.
Johor officials recently urged the federal government to accelerate the ART Project by early next year.
The system is considered crucial for public transport ahead of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System’s full operation in 2027. – Bernama
