ETS3 Launch: Connecting KL Sentral to Kluang with Faster Rail Travel

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) will officially begin operations of its new Electric Train Service 3 (ETS3) on August 30, connecting KL Sentral to Kluang and back. The announcement was made by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who confirmed that ticket sales open at 8pm today via the KTMB Mobile (KITS) app, kiosks, and the official KTMB website.

The launch marks an important milestone for Malaysia’s transport network, significantly improving accessibility between the Klang Valley and southern Peninsular Malaysia.

A Royal Test Run

Following the official launch ceremony, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, personally took the driver’s seat to test-drive the ETS3 train towards Kluang Station, Johor. The symbolic act not only showcased royal endorsement but also highlighted the importance of ETS3 in strengthening national connectivity.

ETS3 Deployment Schedule

According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke:

Two ETS3 trainsets have already arrived in Malaysia and completed technical testing.
If trials proceed smoothly, regular operations begin this month.
The remaining eight trainsets are currently being assembled at the CRRC Rolling Stock Centre in Batu Gajah, Perak.
By early 2026, all 10 ETS3 trains are scheduled to be fully operational.

This staged rollout ensures that passenger demand can be gradually accommodated while KTMB fine-tunes technical performance.

Features of ETS3

ETS3 trains are designed to modern standards, featuring:

High operating speeds (140km/h) for faster travel
Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) design for smoother acceleration and efficiency
Modern passenger comfort features to attract long-distance commuters
Enhanced safety systems for reliable operations

With these upgrades, ETS3 positions KTMB as a more competitive alternative to driving or flying short distances between Kuala Lumpur and southern states.

Connectivity Impact

The KL Sentral–Kluang service represents more than just convenience for passengers. It is a major infrastructure milestone that supports:

Southern Corridor Integration: Linking Johor towns like Kluang more directly with Kuala Lumpur.
Reduced Congestion: Offering a public transport alternative to the North-South Expressway.
Tourism Growth: Encouraging domestic travel to southern cultural and natural attractions.
Economic Opportunities: Shorter travel times stimulate business ties between Klang Valley and Johor.

Property Market Implications

Transport infrastructure often shapes property values and investment flows. ETS3 is no exception.

Boost for KL Property

For Kuala Lumpur, ETS3 strengthens the city’s position as the gateway for regional mobility. KL Sentral, already the nation’s transport hub, gains another premium connection, which further underpins the appeal of nearby KL property investments. Proximity to KL Sentral has long commanded higher property values, and improved intercity links reinforce its desirability among buyers, renters, and businesses.

Spillover Growth in Johor

For Johor towns such as Kluang, direct ETS3 access places them on the national rail map. This could attract:

Investors seeking affordable alternatives to Johor Bahru or Iskandar Malaysia.
Commuters who want KL connectivity without KL living costs.
Businesses leveraging cheaper land while maintaining KL ties.

As seen globally, towns newly linked by high-speed or semi-high-speed rail often experience property appreciation and an influx of new developments.

Rental Demand and Mobility

As ETS3 makes commuting smoother, rental demand in both KL and Johor could rise. Students, professionals, and even cross-border workers (with Singapore connections via Johor) may view ETS3 towns as practical bases.

Strategic Benefits for Malaysia

ETS3 is part of Malaysia’s broader push to modernize public transport, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen regional growth. Its impacts include:

Green Mobility: Electric trains cut emissions compared to private cars or domestic flights.
National Integration: Binding northern, central, and southern Malaysia into a more cohesive transport system.
Economic Competitiveness: Enhanced infrastructure makes Malaysia more attractive for foreign investors.

For property and business investors, infrastructure like ETS3 often precedes waves of new growth corridors—similar to how MRT and LRT projects reshaped property trends in Klang Valley.

Comparing ETS3 with Other Major Projects

Malaysia is investing heavily in infrastructure, and ETS3 complements other megaprojects such as:

MRT Putrajaya Line & MRT3 (Circle Line): Transforming Klang Valley’s urban mobility.
Johor RTS Link to Singapore (2027): Strengthening Johor’s cross-border integration.
East Coast Rail Link (ECRL, 2027): Linking Kelantan to Port Klang.

ETS3 strengthens the north–south axis, balancing these east–west initiatives and ensuring Malaysia’s network grows holistically.

What This Means for Investors

For property investors, ETS3 signals:

KL Property Resilience
Properties near KL Sentral and key interchange stations will continue to enjoy premium value. Improved connectivity sustains long-term rental yields.
Johor Opportunities
Secondary towns like Kluang may now attract speculative interest. Investors should monitor planned township projects and land acquisitions in these areas.
Balanced Portfolios
With Malaysia’s multiple transport projects maturing by 2027, investors can diversify—leveraging KL property for stability and emerging towns for growth.

Conclusion

The launch of KTMB’s ETS3 on the KL Sentral–Kluang route is more than a transport upgrade. It is a catalyst for urban integration, property appreciation, and sustainable growth. By early 2026, when all 10 ETS3 trains are operational, the service will fully cement itself as a backbone of Malaysia’s intercity mobility.

For Kuala Lumpur, it reinforces KL Sentral’s dominance as a transport and property hotspot. For Johor, it opens doors to growth in towns like Kluang. For investors, it signals a timely reminder: where infrastructure goes, property opportunities follow.

To explore Malaysia’s most promising transport-linked developments, visit klproperty.cc — your trusted partner for insights into KL property and beyond.