Latest news with #ElectricTrainService
The Star
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Larkin Sentral revamp boosting travel, business confidence, say commuters
COMMUTERS are happy with Johor government's efforts to improve public transport, saying that recent upgrades have contributed to smoother, hassle-free travel. College student Nur Syafiqa Sulaiman, 23, who travels from Johor Baru to her family home in Pasir Gudang every weekend, said she had noticed significant improvement in punctuality, especially at Larkin Sentral – the main transport terminal. Nur Syafiqa says nowadays, buses arrive on time at Larkin Sentral. 'Public transportation in Johor has improved a lot lately. The buses I take always arrive on time at Larkin Sentral,' said the information technology diploma student. Upon reaching the terminal, Nur Syafiqa opts for a taxi instead of e-hailing services. She is also looking forward to the Electric Train Service (ETS) in Johor Baru. 'The ETS will strengthen public transportation in Johor Baru and make it easier and faster for people, especially students like myself,' she said. For cross-border travellers like consultant Mohd Ariff Leow Abdullah, 61, improvements in immigration processes have made a difference. 'I cross the Causeway at least once a month for meetings in Singapore. 'Nowadays, there is a lot of improvement in immigration clearance on both sides.' Mohd Ariff: Improvements in immigration processes have made a tangible difference. Mohd Ariff prefers taking Singapore-bound taxis from Larkin Sentral as they allowed him flexibility and comfort. 'I prefer taking the cross-border taxi because I don't need to rush to catch a bus. 'I can travel at my own pace, and that really matters for business trips.' He is especially optimistic about the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, expected to be operational by end-2026 or early 2027 – connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru with Woodlands North in Singapore. 'With RTS coming soon, travelling will become even more seamless. 'It will be a game changer for regular commuters,' he added. Natasha: State initiative to upgrade the facility is long overdue. Long-time business operator Natasha Juan, 45, who runs a hair salon at Larkin Sentral, said the upgrading project was long overdue. 'I have been here almost 30 years. Larkin Sentral is not just a transport hub – it is also an economic centre. 'There is a wet market, shops and services. People don't just catch buses here, they come to shop and run errands,' she pointed out. Juan hopes the RM2.5mil upgrading project will attract more visitors and help boost businesses. 'Once upgrading works are completed, especially for the toilets, I believe more people will feel comfortable coming here. 'It will help businesses like mine,' she added. Meanwhile, Dr R. Daya Para Rao, 63, a Klang Valley resident who visited Johor Baru for a meeting, had his first experience using Larkin Sentral when boarding a bus home. 'I was pleasantly surprised. It was very systematic, and the staff were helpful. 'As a senior citizen, I appreciate that things are well-organised and not confusing.' He said transportation projects like RTS and ETS would further complement Johor's growth as a modern and investor-friendly city. 'The Johor government is clearly serious about upgrading public transport. 'That is very important for everyone,' he said. Dr Daya Para Rao said that as Johor's economy expanded, seamless transport was crucial for supporting mobility and daily life. He said, 'Johor Baru is growing rapidly in terms of economic development, and this will attract more people to live and work here. 'With good public transport, Johor's vision of becoming a developed state can be a reality.' — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
No plans to extend ETS to east coast, says Loke
KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has clarified that there are no immediate plans to extend the Electric Train Service (ETS) to the east coast due to infrastructure constraints. The existing railway lines in the region are single-track and lack electrification, making them unsuitable for ETS operations. Loke explained that the east coast is currently served by Diesel Multiple Units (DMU) under Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). 'The east coast is currently served only by Diesel Multiple Units because KTMB tracks there are single-track and not the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will serve that region.' The minister made these remarks during a press conference following the launch of new diesel buses. The event was attended by Land Public Transport Agency director-general Datuk Azlan Shah Al Bakri, Prasarana Group president and chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, and Rapid Bus chairman Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali. Loke emphasised that ETS services will remain concentrated on the west coast, operating between Padang Besar in Perlis and Johor Bahru, Johor. He also acknowledged the need for improvements in KTMB's commuter, ETS, and freight services, which have yet to achieve full profitability. However, he noted that as a government-linked company (GLC), KTMB's primary focus is on social responsibility rather than profit. - Bernama
Barnama
14-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
No Plans To Extend ETS To East Coast
KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) -- There are currently no plans to extend the Electric Train Service (ETS) to the east coast, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said that the east coast railway lines are single-track and lack the electrification infrastructure necessary for ETS operations. 'The east coast is currently served only by Diesel Multiple Units (DMU) because Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) tracks there are single-track and not electrified…but, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will serve that region.'
The Star
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
No plans to extend ETS to east coast, says Loke
KUALA LUMPUR: There are currently no plans to extend the Electric Train Service (ETS) to the east coast, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said that the east coast railway lines are single-track and lack the electrification infrastructure necessary for ETS operations. "The east coast is currently served only by diesel multiple units (DMU) because the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) tracks there are single-track and not electrified. But the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will serve that region." Loke said this at a press conference after the launch of Prasarana's new diesel buses, which was also attended by Land Public Transport Agency director-general Datuk Azlan Shah Al Bakri, Prasarana Group president and chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, and Rapid Bus chairman Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali. The minister said that ETS services will continue to focus on the west coast, operating between Padang Besar in Perlis and Johor Baru, Johor. Regarding KTMB, Loke said improvements are needed, especially in commuter, ETS, and freight services, which have yet to achieve full profitability. However, he stressed that profitability is not KTMB's main focus as a government-linked company (GLC), which has a social responsibility to provide the best service to the public. - Bernama
New Straits Times
16-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Ganja resembling belacan, chocolate, and keropok lekor seized
KANGAR: Belacan, chocolate bars and keropok lekor — these familiar favourites turned out to be a cover for a pungent plot here. The drugs, valued at RM9,238, were found in the possession of a 21-year-old Thai national who was arrested while attempting to board the Electric Train Service (ETS) heading south from Bukit Keteri Railway Station. Perlis police chief Datuk Muhammad Abdul Halim said the incident took place at Bukit Keteri railway station after police received information regarding a Thai man carrying cannabis who was planning to board the ETS. "Based on the information received, our personnel from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Perlis police contingent headquarters went to the station and successfully identified the 21-year-old suspect. "The man was believed to be waiting for the ETS heading south, and upon inspecting the backpack he was carrying, we found 27 plastic packets containing green plant material suspected to be cannabis, weighing 2.98 kilogrammes and valued at RM9,238," he said. Muhammad said preliminary investigations revealed the suspect was paid more than RM1,000 by the syndicate to deliver the cannabis via the ETS. "The cannabis was shaped and packaged to resemble shrimp paste, chocolate bars, and raw 'keropok lekor' in an attempt to fool the authorities during inspections. "The supply is believed to have been sourced from a neighbouring country, with Perlis used as a transit point before being distributed or sold in southern states. "The suspect's modus operandi involved delivering drug supplies from Thailand into the country on demand, for a fee of RM1,500," he said. Following this, police arrested another suspect, a 25-year-old local man in Alor Setar, who is also believed to be involved in the drug distribution syndicate. "Initial drug screening on the main suspect found him positive for methamphetamine. A background check revealed he has four prior criminal records related to drug offences. "The total amount of drugs seized in this case could serve approximately 29,870 drug addicts," he said. Muhammad said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The suspect has been remanded for seven days until this Thursday to assist with investigations.
