Kuala lumpur: There are currently no plans to extend the Electric Train Service (ETS) to the east coast, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He stated that the existing railway lines in the east coast are single-track and do not have the necessary electrification infrastructure for ETS operations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke explained that the east coast is currently serviced by Diesel Multiple Units (DMU) because Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) tracks in that region are single-track and not electrified. However, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is expected to serve the area in the future.

Loke made these remarks at a press conference following the launch of new diesel buses, which was attended by Land Public Transport Agency director-general Datuk Azlan Shah Al Bakri, Prasarana Group president and chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, and Rapid Bus chairman Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali.

The minister emphasized that ETS services will remain focused on the west coast, operating between Padang Besar in Perlis and Johor Bahru, Johor.

Regarding KTMB, Loke acknowledged the need for improvements, particularly in commuter, ETS, and freight services, which have yet to become fully profitable. Nevertheless, he highlighted that profitability is not the primary objective for KTMB as a government-linked company (GLC), which is tasked with the social responsibility of providing optimal service to the public.