After years of anticipation, Malaysia has finally launched the long-distance Electric Train Service (ETS), connecting Johor Bahru (JB Sentral) and Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral). This milestone in rail transport greatly improves cross-peninsula travel, shortens journey times, and opens new possibilities for commuting and tourism for Malaysians and visitors from Singapore.
Historic Opening: What Happened
On December 12, 2025, Malaysia’s ETS train service began operations on the southern extension section between JB Sentral and KL Sentral. With this, the West Coast Electrified Double-Tracking Project was completed, linking the northern and southern parts of the Malay Peninsula with electrified rail. Previously, ETS mainly operated north of Gemas, but now this final southern section has also been electrified and officially opened.
The official opening ceremony was held in Johor Bahru on December 11, 2025, attended by national leaders including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sultan Ibrahim. Public operations began the following morning.
🚄 Benefits for Travelers
⏱️ Shorter Travel Time
この電気列車サービスにより、KL ↔ JB間の鉄道移動時間が大幅に短縮されます：
- Previously, traveling by diesel trains or long-distance road journeys took up to 7 hours.
- Currently with ETS, travel is possible in about 3.3 hours (depending on stops and service details).
This makes it possible to compete with cars and buses, enabling more comfortable and punctual travel.
🌏 JB–KL Beyond: RTS Link and Singapore
The Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) is a separate project but related, connecting Singapore and Malaysia by rail. Upon completion, it will link the following:
- Bukit Chagar (JB) (Malaysia)
- Woodlands North (Singapore)
The opening is scheduled for late 2026 to early 2027, allowing passengers to complete immigration procedures just once to travel directly from Singapore to JB, and then connect via ETS to KL and beyond.
This means that rail travel between Singapore ↔ Kuala Lumpur can be completed with just one transfer, making it an attractive alternative to flights and buses.
🏁 Summary
The opening of the ETS Johor Bahru ↔ Kuala Lumpur line marks a historic milestone in regional rail travel. It is not just a new train, but the realization of Malaysia’s vision for seamless and modern rail service from the north to the south. Moreover, with the opening of the RTS Link, the dream of traveling entirely by rail from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur is coming closer to reality.
