Kuala lumpur: The use of diesel trains for the Southern Shuttle service is a temporary measure while waiting for new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains to arrive, ensuring local residents face no further delays, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He emphasized the importance of maintaining service continuity for the residents of Johor by using existing trains rather than waiting several years for new EMUs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) has allocated an annual subsidy ranging from RM11 million to RM15 million to support rail-based public transport. Minister Loke pointed out that the current measure avoids prolonged delays for commuters, allowing immediate usage of the service despite the absence of the new train units.

Minister Loke assured that diesel trains would be phased out following the completion of the Gemas-Johor Bahru electrified double-tracking project, which will see the introduction of Electric Train Service (ETS) on the route. This transition is part of a broader effort to modernize the rail services in the region.

The Southern Shuttle service, which connects Kulai, JB Sentral, and Pasir Gudang, offers a quicker and more comfortable travel experience. The journey from Kulai to JB Sentral is approximately 40 minutes, while the route from Kempas Baru to Pasir Gudang takes about 40 to 45 minutes, providing significant travel efficiency.

For the first time, the Kempas Baru-Pasir Gudang route, previously designated for freight services, has been made accessible to passengers. However, there has been criticism regarding the use of older diesel trains, with some pointing out that the fares are three times higher compared to those in Kuala Lumpur and Seremban.