Improved connectivity expected to spur economic growth in surrounding areas, says assemblyman
RESIDENTS in Segamat now can travel to Kuala Lumpur and northern parts of the country by rail with the expansion of the Electric Train Service (ETS) to Johor.
Jementah assemblyman Ng Kor Sim described KTM Bhd’s commencement of service as a significant advancement for connectivity.
She said it would also spur economic growth in her constituency and its surrounding areas.
“This is a milestone for Johor and a long-awaited boost for Jementah and Segamat.
“The ETS provides a much-needed alternative to road travel, cutting down travel time while offering a more comfortable and reliable experience,” Ng said in a statement.
She was among passengers on the 12.15pm train from KL Sentral and reached Segamat shortly before 3pm.
She added this marks the first time the ETS service, running along the Padang Besar to Gemas route, has been extended into Johor with Segamat as its initial stop.
Ng encouraged more people to make use of the ETS and highlighted that tickets for the Segamat route had been snapped up within minutes of going on sale on March 12.
“This shows that people have been waiting for a transport upgrade like this.
“We now need to ensure our local economy, especially in Jementah, is ready to capitalise on the increased accessibility,” she said.
Ng also expected significant spillover effect on Jementah’s economy, particularly in the tourism, food and small business sectors.
In this regard, she urged KTMB to increase the frequency of services to and from Segamat, as it currently operates only twice a day to and from KL Sentral.
With renewed excitement for train travel, Ng also said she was open to future rail-related events and activities.
“This is just the beginning. The ETS will change how people travel to and from Jementah and Segamat, and we must be ready to make the most of the opportunities that come with it,” she stressed.
On March 15, the inaugural ETS EG9420, departed from Segamat Station to Padang Besar Station at 7.55am, while EG9321 from Butterworth to Segamat left at 7.50am and was scheduled to arrive at 2.57pm.
