SINGAPORE, September 2025 — Malaysia is preparing to roll out a major upgrade to its inter-city rail network with the southward extension of the Electric Train Service (ETS) to Johor Bahru by the end of the year. The move is expected to reshape mobility across the peninsula, offering faster journeys, improved connectivity, and new opportunities for towns along the route.

The ETS, currently linking Kuala Lumpur to destinations such as Ipoh, Butterworth and Padang Besar, is now in its final construction phase to reach Johor Bahru. The recent opening of the Kluang segment marked a critical milestone, and once completed, travel time between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur is projected to be cut nearly in half.

Analysts say the expanded network could spur growth in mid-sized towns such as Segamat and Kluang by improving accessibility and drawing investment outside major urban centers. For travelers particularly Singaporeans crossing the Causeway the extended ETS offers a new alternative to buses and flights, potentially standing in as a substitute for the shelved Kuala Lumpur–Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project.

Still, questions remain about whether the ETS can match the long-promised benefits of HSR. While upgraded ETS trains will offer faster services, they will not reach the speeds or journey times envisioned under the HSR plan. KTM’s acting CEO, Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin, nonetheless voiced optimism, saying the extension could “revolutionise travel options” and restore public confidence after years of project delays.

Transport experts highlight the ETS extension as a pragmatic step: it leverages existing infrastructure, improves regional connectivity, and supports Malaysia’s sustainable transport agenda. But whether it can fully replace the transformative potential of a true high-speed rail link remains a question that only ridership data and long-term performance will answer.
Source: Channel News Asia