JOHOR BAHRU, December 31 — Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad’s (KTMB) Southern Express (ES) train service will be terminated on January 1, 2026, after nine years of operation that saw it serve about 2.6 million passengers since its introduction in 2016.
KTMB chief operating officer Afzar Zakariya said the service recorded an average of 800 to 1,000 passengers daily across six trips, providing affordable and reliable connectivity between key southern towns such as Segamat, Kluang, Labis, Kulai and Johor Bahru.
Afzar said the ES played a significant role in supporting daily commuting, easing road congestion and contributing to economic and tourism growth along the southern corridor. The service’s termination is part of operational optimisation.
In line with the progress of the Gemas–Johor Bahru Electric Double Track Project, with KTMB expanding ETS services to ensure continuity, including 12 ETS trips to and from Johor from next year to better serve local commuters and tourists.
