KUALA LUMPUR, September 2025 — Malaysia’s railway system, long overshadowed by air and road travel, is experiencing a strong revival reflecting the country’s renewed focus on sustainable mobility and regional integration. Modernization projects, fleet upgrades, and new infrastructure developments are positioning rail transport as a key driver of connectivity and economic growth.

At the forefront of this transformation is Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), the national rail operator. Its flagship Electric Train Service (ETS) is on track to extend operations to Johor Bahru by the end of 2025, completing the north–south corridor from Padang Besar to the southern border city. The expansion marks a major milestone in linking Malaysia’s key economic zones along the peninsula.

Intercity ridership has more than doubled over the past decade, exceeding 8.7 million passengers, while the Komuter Utara service continues to strengthen regional connectivity in the northern states, supporting industrial hubs and local economies. To meet rising demand, KTMB is adding 12 new train sets for Komuter Utara and 10 new ETS train sets, with testing already underway for the first units.

In the Klang Valley, urban rail networks including the MRT, LRT, and Monorail systems continue to play a critical role in daily commuting. Despite temporary ridership fluctuations caused by maintenance and service upgrades, overall public transport usage has rebounded. Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, which operates these lines, reported an average of 1.18 million passengers per day in 2024, reflecting growing public confidence in mass transit.

Beyond the main network, large-scale projects such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link are reshaping Malaysia’s transport landscape. The ECRL, now over 78 percent complete, is set to begin operations in 2027, connecting the east and west coasts and stimulating trade and tourism across multiple states.

For commuters like technician Nuhairi Ismail, the shift toward rail offers more than just convenience. Trains provide a faster, more predictable alternative to congested roads, improving work-life balance and travel reliability. This renewed interest in rail also extends to tourists and rail enthusiasts who seek scenic and comfortable travel experiences across the country.

As Malaysia continues investing in new train sets, modern signaling systems, and line extensions, the railway sector is reclaiming its role as a cornerstone of national development. The revival not only enhances domestic mobility but also aligns with regional ambitions for integrated, high-speed connectivity across Southeast Asia, ensuring that rail remains central to the nation’s future growth story.

Source: The Straits Times