Kuala lumpur: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has announced plans to introduce additional train services for the southern and east coast sectors beginning January 1 to enhance capacity, connectivity, and travel comfort.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, KTMB will add four Electric Train Service (ETS) services to the southern sector on the KL Sentral-JB Sentral-KL Sentral route, increasing the total to eight daily services. Additionally, two existing Padang Besar-Segamat-Padang Besar services will be extended to JB Sentral, providing seamless direct access from Northern Malaysia to Johor Bahru. This development completes the objective of the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double Track Project, establishing a continuous rail network linking the northern and southern economic regions.

Meanwhile, the Shuttle Timuran services on the Gemas-Kuala Lipis route will see the introduction of two additional services, bringing the total to six daily services. This initiative will benefit East Coast passengers, particularly those traveling to Johor Bahru, by allowing them to experience the ETS3 via transit at the Gemas station.

KTMB also announced that ticket sales will open at noon tomorrow for a six-month travel period until May. This is aimed at meeting passenger demand, especially during public holidays and festive seasons such as Thaipusam, Chinese New Year, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Tickets can be purchased via the KITS Style application, KTMB's official website, and KTMB kiosk machines.

In the same statement, KTMB's chief technical officer (acting group chief executive officer) Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin stated that the completion of the electrified rail line from Padang Besar to Johor Bahru strengthens the national rail network. "It marks a new chapter towards a more sustainable, modern, and people-centric rail transport system," he said, emphasizing the expansion of safe, efficient, and comfortable public mobility options.