The government is planning to acquire 10 additional train sets worth about RM2 billion to strengthen rail services in southern Peninsular Malaysia as demand for public transport continues to grow.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the investment forms part of the government’s long-term strategy to improve rail connectivity and support growing passenger traffic in Johor.
“We are working on plans to add 10 more train sets for services in the southern region, involving an investment of about RM2 billion,” he said.
The announcement comes as the government rolled out the Southern Shuttle service, a new rail connection linking Kulai with Johor Bahru Sentral and Kempas Baru with Pasir Gudang to help ease traffic congestion and reduce dependence on private vehicles.
Loke said the newly launched service currently uses existing Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) train assets and does not require additional capital expenditure.
However, the Transport Ministry will allocate between RM11 million and RM15 million annually to support operating costs, including fuel and manpower, as ticket revenue alone is insufficient to cover expenses.
The Kulai-JB Sentral route carries a fare of RM10.20 and takes about 30 minutes, with 10 daily return trips.
As part of the launch, 3,000 Madani Southern Shuttle Cards worth RM50 each were distributed, allowing commuters to use the service free of charge for six months.
Loke said additional trips and routes could be introduced in the future if commuter demand remains strong.
