Latest news with #ElectricTrainService
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
No plans to extend ETS to east coast, says Loke
KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has clarified that there are no immediate plans to extend the Electric Train Service (ETS) to the east coast due to infrastructure constraints. The existing railway lines in the region are single-track and lack electrification, making them unsuitable for ETS operations. Loke explained that the east coast is currently served by Diesel Multiple Units (DMU) under Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). 'The east coast is currently served only by Diesel Multiple Units because KTMB tracks there are single-track and not the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will serve that region.' The minister made these remarks during a press conference following the launch of new diesel buses. The event 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. Loke emphasised that ETS services will remain concentrated on the west coast, operating between Padang Besar in Perlis and Johor Bahru, Johor. He also acknowledged the need for improvements in KTMB's commuter, ETS, and freight services, which have yet to achieve full profitability. However, he noted that as a government-linked company (GLC), KTMB's primary focus is on social responsibility rather than profit. - Bernama
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
No Plans To Extend ETS To East Coast
KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- There are currently no plans to extend the Electric Train Service (ETS) to the east coast, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said that the east coast railway lines are single-track and lack the electrification infrastructure necessary for ETS operations. 'The east coast is currently served only by Diesel Multiple Units (DMU) because Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) tracks there are single-track and not electrified…but, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will serve that region.'
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
No plans to extend ETS to east coast, says Loke
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 said that the east coast railway lines are single-track and lack the electrification infrastructure necessary for ETS operations. "The east coast is currently served only by diesel multiple units (DMU) because the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) tracks there are single-track and not electrified. But the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will serve that region." Loke said this at a press conference after the launch of Prasarana's new diesel buses, which was also 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 said that ETS services will continue to focus on the west coast, operating between Padang Besar in Perlis and Johor Baru, Johor. Regarding KTMB, Loke said improvements are needed, especially in commuter, ETS, and freight services, which have yet to achieve full profitability. However, he stressed that profitability is not KTMB's main focus as a government-linked company (GLC), which has a social responsibility to provide the best service to the public. - Bernama
New Straits Times
16-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Ganja resembling belacan, chocolate, and keropok lekor seized
KANGAR: Belacan, chocolate bars and keropok lekor — these familiar favourites turned out to be a cover for a pungent plot here. The drugs, valued at RM9,238, were found in the possession of a 21-year-old Thai national who was arrested while attempting to board the Electric Train Service (ETS) heading south from Bukit Keteri Railway Station. Perlis police chief Datuk Muhammad Abdul Halim said the incident took place at Bukit Keteri railway station after police received information regarding a Thai man carrying cannabis who was planning to board the ETS. "Based on the information received, our personnel from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Perlis police contingent headquarters went to the station and successfully identified the 21-year-old suspect. "The man was believed to be waiting for the ETS heading south, and upon inspecting the backpack he was carrying, we found 27 plastic packets containing green plant material suspected to be cannabis, weighing 2.98 kilogrammes and valued at RM9,238," he said. Muhammad said preliminary investigations revealed the suspect was paid more than RM1,000 by the syndicate to deliver the cannabis via the ETS. "The cannabis was shaped and packaged to resemble shrimp paste, chocolate bars, and raw 'keropok lekor' in an attempt to fool the authorities during inspections. "The supply is believed to have been sourced from a neighbouring country, with Perlis used as a transit point before being distributed or sold in southern states. "The suspect's modus operandi involved delivering drug supplies from Thailand into the country on demand, for a fee of RM1,500," he said. Following this, police arrested another suspect, a 25-year-old local man in Alor Setar, who is also believed to be involved in the drug distribution syndicate. "Initial drug screening on the main suspect found him positive for methamphetamine. A background check revealed he has four prior criminal records related to drug offences. "The total amount of drugs seized in this case could serve approximately 29,870 drug addicts," he said. Muhammad said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The suspect has been remanded for seven days until this Thursday to assist with investigations.
The Star
08-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Faster by train, not plane
BUTTERWORTH: A train can never move faster than a plane, but a train ride can be faster than a flight. And when it comes to travel between Penang and the Klang Valley, many professionals now take the Electric Train Service (ETS) instead of catching a flight. 'When we include the drive to the airport, the regular flight delays, and then the drive from either Subang Airport or KLIA2 to the city centre, we realise how much time we waste, so we take the train now,' said Datuk Seri Ooi Eng Hock, the former Penang chairman of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers. He and several of his business associates have been using the ETS to travel to Kuala Lumpur for business meetings multiple times a month for the past five years. 'I often bump into other businessmen and VIPs on the train. 'I smile on seeing that many 'T20 people' have seen the logic in taking trains instead of planes from here to KL,' said Ooi. He said the journey is about four hours, and once, on an express ride from KL Sentral to Bukit Mertajam, it took him three and a half hours. The return fare for Ooi in business class is approximately RM300; however, he often finds himself opting for standard class due to the rapid sell-out of business class seats. 'It's time to add more coaches and improve the cleanliness and other services. However, I certainly find the provided meals pleasant,' he said. 'The train connection between Penang and KL is so important now. It is even more punctual than taking flights.' Another frequent ETS user is Muslim Jewellers and Money Changers Association Penang president Datuk Dr Anvar Hussain. 'It's easier for me when attending functions, as the train reaches there in four hours. ... Honestly, taking a flight to KL is a real hassle. Budget airlines have a tendency to take off late, and it screws up my time management,' he said. Many members of his association have now opted to take the train for their commutes between Penang and Kuala Lumpur, he said. Senior insurance consultant Kalaimoney Arumugam likes how there are coat hangers in business class for him to hang up his jacket. 'I can bring along my business suit for meetings and events without worrying about wrinkling it. 'I can also do last-minute updates of conference materials on my laptop, as it is more comfortable than the cramped seats on budget airlines,' he added. This increase in business travellers has prompted Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) to create the 'Ruby Lounge' at the Butterworth train station, a waiting area for those with business class tickets. ETS and Intercity Services general manager Nurul Azha Mokmin said the lounge, with a maximum capacity of 40 passengers, was upgraded with cushioned seats and more power outlets. 'Passengers using Komuter and ETS Standard Class services will now wait in the common area equipped with fans, while the Ruby Lounge is a value-added experience for business class passengers,' said Nurul after opening the lounge on Friday. According to KTMB, 470,508 passengers travelled on the ETS between Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur from January to May, with 420,653 in standard class and 49,855 in business class. Nurul also stated that all 250,000 tickets for the ETS and Intercity trains during the week-long school holiday were sold out, including approximately 130,000 for ETS trips and 120,000 for Intercity journeys between May 29 and June 9. 'We added 10,080 tickets for four extra trips, two each between Kuala Lumpur and Padang Besar and Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth, and all were sold out too,' said Nurul. She added that seats for two extra Intercity trips between Kuala Lumpur and Tumpat were also nearly sold out as of Friday. 'Each year, we record about a 10% increase in ridership,' she said. Ten new ETS trainsets, costing RM400mil, will be added next year to expand the fleet. 'We will be launching new routes between Gemas and Johor Baru with trains also operating from Johor Baru to Butterworth and Padang Besar. 'The trains have arrived and are currently undergoing commissioning,' she said.
