Shanghai: Over 21,000 tickets for Electric Train (ETS) and Ekspres Rakyat Timuran (ERT) services have been sold under the MADANI30 initiative, a promotional effort offering a 30 percent discount. The initiative reflects Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) and the government's commitment to reducing travel costs amidst rising living expenses.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, KTMB's chief operating officer Afzar Zakariya stated that the promotion applies to all ETS services on the Johor Bahru-Padang Besar and Johor Bahru-Tumpat routes. It is available for weekday travel from April 15 to October 14. The discount, intended for standard class passengers traveling from Monday to Thursday, aims to make planning journeys for work or leisure more accessible.

Afzar highlighted that the initiative, driven by the Ministry of Transport, not only enhances access to quality public transport but also supports the transition to more sustainable and efficient transportation modes. This effort is expected to improve connectivity between cities and regions. He shared these insights on the Jendela Fikir: Rel Menghubakan Rakyat, Mengkeren Negara program by Bernama Radio.

The 30 percent discount, available through the MADANI30 promotional code, will conclude on April 30. Afzar also noted that the addition of 10 new train sets for the Kuala Lumpur-Johor Bahru sector has resulted in a 40 percent increase in daily passengers, now averaging 16,000 per day.

KTMB's modernization from coal-based to electric trains marks the highest achievement in passenger numbers. Safety remains a priority with scheduled maintenance and track upgrades in the Klang Valley, including the Klang Valley Electric Double Track (KVDT) project.

The KVDT upgrades involve the Rawang-Salak Selatan, Sentul-Simpang Batu, Bangi-Seremban, and Simpang Pelabuhan Klang-Port Klang sectors. Afzar acknowledged challenges such as cable theft and urged the public to report suspicious activities to authorities or nearby KTMB stations.