THE Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, presided over the official completion and operational launch of the Gemas–Johor Bahru Electric Double-Tracking Line (PLBEGJB) at the KTMB Kempas Baru Station on Thursday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook were among those in attendance.
In his speech, Anthony said the ceremony represented more than the symbolic conclusion of a major infrastructure project; it reflected “a significant achievement” made possible through close collaboration between the Ministry of Transport, the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC), Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) and FITB YTI in building a modern rail system for the public.
“The 192-kilometre project also includes the construction of 11 new stations, namely Segamat, Genuah, Labis, Bekok, Paloh, Kluang, Mengkibol, Renggam, Layang-Layang, Pulai and Kempas Baru.
“The ETS service, operating at speeds of up to 140 kilometres per hour, allows travel from Johor Bahru to KL Sentral in only four and a half hours, while the full journey to Padang Besar takes approximately 10 hours,” he said.
He added that the development brings substantial benefits to the public, including the creation of indirect job opportunities across business, logistics, food services and secondary transport networks surrounding the new stations.
The project, he said, also strengthens Johor Bahru’s position as a competitive logistics, industrial and services hub, particularly through its strong links with Singapore, and is expected to contribute to rising property values in areas such as Segamat, Kluang, Layang-Layang and Kempas.
“Shorter, more frequent and more comfortable journeys will improve public mobility and offer an alternative to private vehicles. Congratulations to all involved,” he said.
In a separate statement, KTMB announced that the ETS service between KL Sentral and JB Sentral will begin full operations on 12 December, completing the rail connection that previously terminated in Kluang.
Trains will depart KL Sentral at 7.45 a.m., while the first departure from JB Sentral will be at 8.40 a.m.
Ticket prices start at RM82 one-way and can be purchased via the KITS Style mobile application, ticket kiosks and KTMB’s official website for journeys up to May 2026.
KTMB will also offer a 30 per cent discount for ETS southern-sector travel from 12 December 2025 to 11 January 2026 using the promotional code JBBEST. - December 11, 2025
