KTMB ETS: extension to east coast not planned due to lack of necessary electrification infrastructure – Loke

KTMB ETS: extension to east coast not planned due to lack of necessary electrification infrastructure – Loke

There are currently no plans for the Electric Train Service (ETS) to be extended to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Bernama has reported.

This is because the east coast railway lines are single-track, and lack the electrification infrastructure necessary for ETS operations, said transport minister Anthony Loke.

“The east coast is currently served only by diesel multiple units (DMU) because the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) tracks there are single-track and not electrified. But the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will serve that region,” Loke said.

KTMB ETS: extension to east coast not planned due to lack of necessary electrification infrastructure – Loke

The rail service received the first units of the third-generation (ETS3) trainsets in April this year, and these will serve the southern sector of the West Coast Line, which is expected to be fully electrified and double-tracked all the way to JB Sentral by the end of this year.

Currently, ETS services will continue to be focused on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, operating between Padang Besar, Perlis and Johor Baru, Johor, the transport minister added.

Meanwhile, Loke said of KTMB that improvements are needed especially in the commuter, ETS and freight services, which have yet to achieve full profitability, according to the report. However, profitability is not KTMB’s main focus as a government-linked company, which has a social responsibility to provide the best service to the public, the transport minister said.

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Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • That Guy on Jul 15, 2025 at 12:41 pm

    Redundant railing is not a smart financial move. As mentioned, ECRL will serve the area.

    Although in all honesty, it wouldn’t be redundant, as even current ETS gets packed especially during festival seasons. And we have a lot of festivals. But that can be solved with additional train cars.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Sang Ayeh Nira Utara on Jul 15, 2025 at 2:09 pm

    The main reason is presently ETS runs on archaic narrow meter gauge KTMB rail tracks meanwhile ECRL railway track adhere to the newer wider standard gauge.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
    • Wisno Mohd Suzuki on Jul 16, 2025 at 10:17 am

      Just imagine every time ETS train going to east coast must pitstops at wheel axle exchange station before continuing journey so does coming back to west coast must swap again the wheel axle KEK

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
      • Ta Fei Kei on Jul 16, 2025 at 6:06 pm

        What are you talking about?

        The KTM North-South Line (Pdg Besar – JB) and the KTM East Coast Line (Gemas – Tumpat) BOTH use the Metre Gage. No need “pitstops” for “wheel axle exchange.”

        Only the ECRL use the Standard Gauge.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Slirh on Jul 15, 2025 at 3:53 pm

    Lack of forward planning as well as myopic view of logistics. Blaming current infrastructure for future development. Mr Anthony Loke should resign as Work Minister as he has failed to carry out his job and duty.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 17
    • i guess it’s lucky then that loke isn’t Work minister

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • Danny on Jul 16, 2025 at 2:57 pm

      Fuh your brain just dropped into tandas ke? I think you are the minority with such incapable wisdom to understand the situation. Anthony Loke had proven to be better minister so far in our history. Apa lu fikir?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • East Coast is a low yield seasonal route which is not worth the infra investment. Better to update airports and have airlines ply those routes. Rail infrastructure is all about ridership on a daily basis otherwise it’s a massive white elephant.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 6
    • Robocop on Jul 16, 2025 at 10:29 am

      Please be smart when you are commenting on something, without proper infrastructure, any place unable to develope in fast pace…& you better check your facts, as the utilization of train & buses services in East Coast, especially during festive season is very high…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
 

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