JOHOR BARU: It was an emotional moment for former Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) staff member Halim Said as he boarded the last Southern Express train leaving JB Sentral.
The 62-year-old, who worked with KTMB for nearly four decades before retiring in 2023, made his way to the station to witness the historic moment in person.
“I started off as ticketing staff at the Gemas station in 1986 and retired as a quality inspector at the same station 37 years later.
“The train meant a lot to me. It was through my job at KTMB that I was able to provide for my family and give my five children a full education. That is why I decided to board this train today. I want to celebrate this historic moment,” he told reporters at JB Sentral.
Halim and his 52-year-old wife, Noor Aini Senawi, took an early morning train from Gemas to Johor Baru and waited at the station throughout the day so they could take the final service.
“We decided to make this trip yesterday and were lucky to get tickets,” he said.
The couple were among some 170 passengers boarding the train from Johor Baru, which departed at around 6.05pm.
Also emotional was KTMB driver Suki Hussin, who operated the last Southern Express. The 57-year-old, who has been driving trains since 2001, said he had gone through many bittersweet experiences over the years.
“I have mixed feelings. I am sad to see the termination of this service, which has been a very important part of my life for the last 15 years. At the same time, I am happy to see KTMB’s growth and proud that we now have better and faster trains,” said Suki, a father of four.
KTMB Southern Region senior manager Salim Misdi, who flagged off the train, said the service had played a vital role in connecting Gemas and Johor Baru.
“This transition is not merely the discontinuation of an old service, but an important upgrade to ensure that rail services in the southern region remain relevant, efficient and prepared to meet future needs.
“The Southern Express service will now be replaced by the Electric Train Service (ETS), offering passengers a more comfortable and modern travel experience as well as faster journeys,” he said.
In a statement on Monday (Dec 29), KTMB announced that its Southern Express train service on the Gemas-JB Sentral-Gemas route, which has operated for nine years, will be terminated effective Jan 1.
