Reasonably, after Electrified Double-Tracking Project(ETS) or also referred to as EDTP - from Padang Besar to Johor Baru is done - then we should be starting with r the East Coast rail route from Tumpat to Gemas? or Sabah? or Sarawak?
The EDTP[electrified double track project], implemented in phases, is part of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd's (KTMB) ongoing rail network modernisation programme.
It replaces ageing single-track, diesel-powered lines with electrified double tracks, forming a critical pillar of the government's strategy to improve public transport, freight logistics, and regional connectivity along Peninsular Malaysia's west coast.
Earlier phases of the EDTP include the Rawang-Ipoh stretch (completed in 2008), Seremban-Gemas (2013), and Ipoh-Padang Besar (2014). Each segment has played a key role in easing traffic congestion and driving local economic activity.The final phase namely the 192km Gemas–Johor Bahru segment features 11 stations across the Johor districts of Segamat, Kluang, Kulai and Johor Bahru.
Is the Federal Government showing 'discrimination' against people in some parts of Pahang, Kelantan and the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, and also Negeri Sembilan (from Bahau to Gemas) - these people need an UPGRADE - they too need speedy dependable trains - so get the ETS going all over Malaysia - and after all Anthony Loke says 'rail transport is seen as a key catalyst for future development, particularly in encouraging a shift from road to rail for both passengers and cargo' -
"Our rail system is currently very much focused on Peninsular Malaysia. As transport minister, I feel it would be incomplete if Sabah and Sarawak do not have a rail system," he[Transport Minister Anthony Loke] said. He added that rail transport is seen as a key catalyst for future development, particularly in encouraging a shift from road to rail for both passengers and cargo especially in Sabah and Sarawak due to the long distances and the lengthy travel time by car. - NST, 4/2/2026
Our Malaysian government has been very slow - in upgrading Public Transport including the Rail services...and previously, we believe that this happened because Malaysia started producing cars that needed to be sold.. and so, the then existing public transport (including the within town, stop anywhere on route as passenger wants, and lot of busses - were slowly 'killed' off - TODAY, in most towns, we still have them good BUS-STOPS but then no busses.)
And, here is Anthony Loke talking about the importance of 'encouraging the shift from road to rail' ... he should also add about encouraging people to move from using private vehicles to public transport...' But, he did NOTHING really in improving PUBLIC TRANSPORT all over Malaysia(and soon he may not be in Cabinet and next GE fast approaching...) - He could have revived PUBLIC TRANSPORT, i.e. Public BUSES all over Malaysia...
With regard to KTMB Train - he could have long started the plan to build ETS or EDTF from Tumpat to Gemas, and also start plans for ETS Rail Networks in Sabah/Sarawak -
Electrified Double-Tracking Project(ETS) - when will the ETS project start for the Tumpat-Gemas route. Now that the ETS is done right up to JB... It is only reasonable that the ETS for rail route from Tumpat to Gemas begins -but still not even a government announcement.
So, people on the West Coast can travel at about 150Km/h but the East Coast people should just travel on SLOW Old Trains...
However, KTMB clarified that the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran (ERT) service for the JB Sentral-Tumpat-JB Sentral route will continue to operate as usual and remains a primary travel choice for passengers from the southern sector to the East Coast.
Has our FEDERAL government treated all States fairly and equitably? Or have there been some States that have been accorded PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT?
Anthony Loke/Anwar - why only some States have KTM Komuter, LRT, and even Public Busses (free?) but other States do not even have a Public Bus within the jurisdiction of their town/district?
Considering the amount of money we pay Local Councils/Government every year - it is so EASY if some of this money is used to run a Local Public Bus service, that is free and/or affordable - with the drivers and maintenance personnel being accorded employment by the Local Government/Council as 'public officers'...
As we are talking about RAIL TRANSPORT, should not a more comprehensive rail network be built now - trains from every smaller towns reaching main train stations.... all should have been planned and done before that ECRL starts operating....
Farewell Southern Express: KTMB ends Gemas–JB Sentral service Jan 1, ETS takes over
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 — Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad’s (KTMB) Southern Express (Ekspres Selatan) train service for the Gemas-JB Sentral-Gemas route will be terminated effective January 1, after nine years of operation serving passengers in the southern sector.
KTMB in a statement today, announced that the termination involves six currently operating Southern Express services – numbers 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46.
This move is part of a planning realignment and operational optimisation of passenger services in the southern alignment, in line with the progress and infrastructure readiness of the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Tracking Project.
“This step also aims to ensure the continuity of a more efficient, integrated service focused on the passenger travel experience,” the statement read.
At the same time, KTMB noted that the travel needs of passengers in the southern sector will be further strengthened through the full operation of the Electric Train Service (ETS) to JB Sentral, with eight services daily starting January 1.
“With the completion of this ETS service, passengers will now enjoy a more modern, user-friendly, and environmentally friendly journey, while offering more efficient travel times and a safer, more comfortable travel experience,” according to KTMB.
However, KTMB clarified that the Ekspres Rakyat Timuran (ERT) service for the JB Sentral-Tumpat-JB Sentral route will continue to operate as usual and remains a primary travel choice for passengers from the southern sector to the East Coast.
Meanwhile, the Shuttle Timuran service is also available as an alternative stop-to-stop journey for the Gemas-Tumpat route.
KTMB Chief Technical Officer and acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin, expressed his deepest appreciation to all loyal passengers and users of the Southern Express for their continuous support throughout the service’s operational period.
“Every journey, memory, and nostalgia shared with the Southern Express will always be etched in the memories of all KTMB staff. We welcome the public to continue choosing and supporting KTMB services as a safe, comfortable, and reliable choice of public transport,” he said in the same statement.
KTMB also advised passengers to check the latest schedules via the company’s official channels and plan their journeys in advance through official ticket sales platforms or by seeking assistance through the KTMB Call Centre.
For further inquiries, the public can contact the KTMB Call Centre at 03-9779 1200 or refer to the latest updates via KTMB’s official social media channels. — Bernama, Malay Mail, 29/12/2025
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