THE much-anticipated KTM Bhd Electric Train Service (ETS) 3 between Kuala Lumpur and Kluang finally launched on Aug 30 and for some Johoreans, the wait was worth it.
Khuzaimah Mohd Khalid, 32, said her family had been looking forward to a special trip on the electric train ever since her young nephews heard about the extended line years ago.
“My nephews were super excited to ride the new train.
“They even waited for His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, when he drove past in one of the 10 new trains from Kuala Lumpur to Kluang on Aug 23,” she told StarMetro.
Khuzaimah, who works in the private sector, said the boys saluted as the train went by on its maiden trip.
She recently took the train with her 68-year-old mother, sister and three nephews from Kuala Lumpur to their hometown Kluang.
The three-and-a-half-hour ride was fast and seamless compared to driving on the road or taking an older locomotive.
“The food on board was delicious with plenty of options, while the toilet and surau were nice.
“The seats were beautiful with a songket-inspired design and could rotate,” she said, adding that the service could benefit locals and travellers.
“I hope it makes it easier for Kluang folk to travel to Kuala Lumpur and for those working in the (country’s capital) city to return to their hometown.
“It will also boost tourism, especially with Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026 soon,” she said.
Kluang has a lot to offer, from its famous coffee scene to nearby ceramic town Ayer Hitam and the island retreats off Mersing.
Khuzaimah is also looking forward to the Kluang-Johor Baru Sentral line by year-end.
For Kuala Lumpur-based marketing executive Amy Ling, 28, the ETS3 will make Kluang even more attractive for weekend getaways.
“People can enjoy the town’s laid-back, small-town vibe.
“We also have Gunung Lambak for those who love the outdoors.
“I know many people who are already planning to take the train to Kluang,” she added.
Ling will also encourage her parents to use the ETS when they visit her in Kuala Lumpur.
“I worry when they drive, because of heavy traffic and unfamiliar roads.
“With the ETS, I’ll have peace of mind and can pick them up at the station,” she said.
Kluang-based design and research consultant Amirul Hakim, 34, said the new service could spur the local economy.
“I travel to Kuala Lumpur for work and community engagements twice a month.
“It will aid placemaking and bring growth to Kluang where tourism is now branching into the historical, sustainable and cultural sectors.
“Kluang has been a strategic location between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur ever since the British days.
“With an efficient connection to the Klang Valley, I hope Kluang will grow sustainably,” he said.
The new service comes under the Gemas to Johor Baru electrified double track project, a long-delayed upgrade by KTMB.
Under the YTL-SIPP joint venture, the groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 3, 2018.
Initially slated for completion in October 2021, the KL Sentral-Kluang ETS3 began about a week before this year’s National Day.
Johor public works, transport, infrastructure and communication committee chairman Mohd Fazli Mohamad Salleh recently said the ETS was expected to reach Johor Baru by end 2025.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke echoed this, saying full completion is targeted for “end of the year”.
