ETS, Electric Train Service from JB Sentral to KL Sentral

Officially began its full through-service on 01-Dec-2026, the ETS has marked a major milestone in Malaysian rail connectivity, finally linking the Northern-most Padang Besar to KL Sentral and the extension to southern at JB Sentral.

Updated Key Points on ETS JB-KL:

  • Official Start Date: 12-December-2025 (commercial operations).
  • Travel Time: 4 hours and 20 minutes compared to the previous 6~7 hours
  • Significance: It completes the electrified rail backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, allowing seamless travel from the Singapore border (via JB Sentral) all the way to Padang Besar on the Thailand border.
  • Impact: Provides a reliable, scheduled, and comfortable alternative to buses and cars for the busy JB-KL busy route, especially beneficial during holiday traffic congestion.

Prospect of HSR Singapore-KL in Light of the ETS Launch:

  1. The successful launch of the ETS service adds a new dimension to the HSR discussion:
  2. Demonstrates Rail Demand: The strong uptake and popularity of the ETS service underscore the significant market for comfortable, city-center-to-city-center rail travel between JB and KL.
  3. Highlights the Speed Gap: The ETS, while a major upgrade, operates at conventional speeds (~140-160 km/h). The 4-hour journey starkly contrasts the HSR’s promised 90-minute travel time between KL and Singapore. This keeps the fundamental value proposition of the HSR intact.
  4. May Influence HSR Planning: Malaysia could now potentially view the domestic KL-JB HSR leg as a more feasible first phase, since the ETS serves the “local” market, while the HSR would target the premium, time-sensitive, and international (Singapore) market. The recent revival of Malaysian HSR studies focuses on a domestic line from KL to Johor (Iskandar Puteri/JB).
  5. Does Not Replace HSR: The ETS and HSR would serve different market segments (cost-conscious vs. time-sensitive, domestic vs. international). They could be complementary in a future integrated transport network.

Conclusion:

the ETS JB-KL is a current reality as of Jan 2026, providing an excellent rail link. The Singapore-KL HSR remains a long-term prospect, with its fate hinging on bilateral negotiations, financing, and a clear economic model. The success of the ETS may actually strengthen the case for the HSR by proving the demand for intercity rail, while also clearly defining the latter’s role as a premium, high-speed service.