ETS To Run 24 Hours During Festive Peaks As Demand Surges

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will operate its Electric Train Service (ETS) around the clock during major festive periods, starting with the upcoming Chinese New Year and Hari Raya, as part of efforts to cope with soaring travel demand.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the move marks a shift in how KTMB manages its fleet during peak seasons, with the railway operator now instructed to fully deploy all available train sets instead of holding some back as standby units.

In the past, KTMB adopted a more cautious approach by keeping spare trains in reserve in case of technical issues. Going forward, that buffer will be reduced, allowing more services to be scheduled when demand is at its highest.

With the change, ETS services will increase from 34 to 46 trips per day during festive periods, including late-night and midnight services. The added frequency is expected to significantly boost passenger capacity and improve ticket availability during peak travel windows.

"ETS continues to be a popular alternative to driving, especially during long weekends and festive seasons, as it offers a faster, safer and more comfortable option between major cities in Peninsular Malaysia

"Passengers can also work, read or rest while travelling, rather than dealing with traffic congestion on highways," the minister said.

He added that improved rail connectivity, including services linking Butterworth to Bangkok, also opens up new opportunities for tourism and cross-border travel, further strengthening the role of rail transport in regional mobility.