Gemas-Johor Bahru electrified double-track line launched, revolutionising national transport

• The project completes the electric train service (ETS) network linking the north and south of Peninsular Malaysia, representing a significant advance in the country’s mobility transformation by reducing travel times and promoting sustainable development in the southern region.

JOHOR BAHRU (Dec 11): Malaysia marked a historic milestone in its national transport development with the launch of operations on the Gemas-Johor Bahru electrified double-track rail line on Thursday.

The project completes the electric train service (ETS) network linking the north and south of Peninsular Malaysia, representing a significant advance in the country’s mobility transformation by reducing travel times and promoting sustainable development in the southern region.

SIPP Rail Sdn Bhd and YTL Construction Sdn Bhd (SIPP-YTL) said in a statement on Thursday that the Ministry of Transport-owned project covers 11 stations, including Segamat, Genuang, Labis, Bekok, Paloh, Kluang, Mengkibol, Renggam, Layang-Layang, Kulai, and JB Sentral.

The operational launch at Kempas Baru Station was officiated by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, in the presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Datuk Seri Yeoh Seok Hong, managing director of the SIPP-YTL joint venture, officially handed over the completed project to the Ministry of Transport, represented by Loke.

In the same statement, Anwar congratulated SIPP-YTL on successfully delivering a world-class infrastructure project, reflecting the government’s strong commitment under the Madani agenda.

"This initiative reflects the steadfast commitment of the Madani government to strengthening a modern, advanced and high-quality public transport system—one that delivers tangible benefits to the rakyat, in line with the aspirations of the 13th Malaysia Plan," he said.

Meanwhile, Loke praised his ministry, the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC), Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB), and SIPP-YTL for their strategic collaboration in realising a project that benefits Johor, while supporting national development.

The SIPP-YTL joint venture was the main local subcontractor for the Gemas-Johor Bahru electrified double-track line.

The consortium supported the delivery of the national rail project, which strengthened North-South connectivity and enhanced economic, social and mobility development across the southern region.

Yeoh said the project fully modernised Johor’s rail corridor with the construction of 11 new stations, each designed to showcase the state’s heritage and identity, while providing modern facilities for passengers.

Passengers now enjoy faster, more efficient journeys, with travel time between KL Sentral and JB Sentral reduced to four hours and 20 minutes, down from seven hours previously, at speeds of up to 140 kilometres per hour.

“The construction of this line demanded high-precision engineering, from bridges and stations to depots and supporting systems. Each component was built to world-class standards to achieve optimal performance and efficiency,” he said.

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