Malaysia's KL-JB ETS Sees Surge, Highlighting Demand and Affordability Debates

KUALA LUMPUR, January 2026 — The introduction of Malaysia’s Electric Train Service (ETS) between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru is experiencing robust demand, signaling a revival in inter-city travel and highlighting the corridor’s potential. This development aligns with broader regional trends toward modernizing rail infrastructure to support economic growth and connectivity.

Operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), the service saw nearly all tickets for Chinese New Year travel sold out, with Hari Raya bookings also showing strong uptake. Following a sell-out period in late 2025, KTMB has doubled service frequency to eight daily trips, reducing travel time to approximately four hours and twenty minutes a notable improvement over previous modes. One-way fares range from RM82 in economy to RM150–160 in business class.

This increased accessibility is expected to yield economic benefits, including boosting tourism in intermediate towns like Kluang and Segamat, influencing housing choices, and improving regional trade logistics. However, the fare structure has raised concerns about affordability for regular commuters, with some noting that prices are closer to airfares and may limit appeal for price-sensitive travelers.

Industry observers highlight that while the ETS offers a comfortable and punctual alternative to road travel, the four-and-a-half-hour journey may still be too long for frequent business travelers. To significantly impact professional mobility, further enhancements such as increased frequency or travel times under four hours may be necessary. For now, the service primarily serves leisure and occasional travelers.

The success of the KL–JB ETS is being assessed not only through ridership but also its ability to stimulate economic activity in towns along the route and deliver broader regional benefits. This reflects a growing emphasis in Asia on developing rail networks as catalysts for regional development, balancing service quality with economic viability.

Source: The Business Times