The Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur East line: a new electric train to boost tourism in Malaysia

The long-awaited electric rail service (ETS) linking Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur will begin operations on December 12, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced on Saturday (November 22).

Initial operations will focus primarily on the Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur route, Loke said, with longer routes to Padang Besar and Butterworth planned for later phases.

The King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, will launch the new ETS service in Johor Bahru on December 11, the day before it opens to the public.

A real economic and tourism impact

This new rail link is considered a major asset for the Malaysian tourism industry.

By directly connecting the country’s two largest economic and urban areas, the ETS will make destinations more accessible and significantly reduce travel times compared to road travel.

Furthermore, the train will facilitate domestic travel for leisure and business, encouraging KL residents to explore Johor (the gateway to Singapore and home to numerous theme parks) and vice versa.

An Eco-Friendly and Comfortable Alternative

A modern electric train service offers a greener and more comfortable transportation option than flying or driving, attracting customers who are environmentally conscious and value a quality travel experience.

The increased passenger traffic in both directions will directly benefit hotels, local attractions, restaurants, and businesses located along this new line, boosting the regional tourism economy.

« The launch of this ETS is seen as a key step in improving the country’s transportation infrastructure, essential for consolidating Malaysia’s position as a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia, » Malaysian authorities stated.