Malaysia Sees Strong Growth In Rail Cargo Volumes In Q1 2026

PUTRAJAYA, April 2026 — Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) announced a notable rise in rail freight transport during the first three months of 2026, with cargo volumes measured in total tonnage and twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) increasing by 10 to 20 per cent compared with the same period last year.

KTMB’s chief executive, Datuk Azlan Shah Al Bakri, attributed this positive performance to ongoing efforts to shift freight traffic from road to rail, even amid broader logistics challenges. He reported that despite the operational pressures posed by the ongoing economic environment, rail-based cargo operations remained on an upward trajectory.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook emphasised that the growth reflects policy measures encouraging rail freight uptake, including stricter enforcement against overloaded lorries and initiatives to integrate rail more fully into the national logistics system. These measures, he noted, have been in place since last year and are now yielding measurable results.

The increase in rail cargo underscores efforts to improve logistics efficiency, reduce road traffic congestion and lower accident risks associated with heavy lorry movements. For industry stakeholders, growing rail freight volumes also point to enhanced network utilisation and a stronger case for further investment in freight capacity and infrastructure.

As Malaysia continues to promote rail freight as part of its broader transport strategy, these early-year performance figures highlight rail’s resilience and potential to capture a greater share of freight transport demand in the region’s competitive logistics landscape.

Source: BERNAMA