ETS from Gemas to JB to spur tourism
JOHOR BARU: The extension of KTM Bhd's ETS services from Gemas to Johor Baru will improve connectivity to further stimulate the country's tourism industry, say tourism officials.
Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (promotion) Datuk Musa Yusof said the time savings offered by this service, expected to take passengers from KL Sentral to JB Sentral in four hours, augurs well for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
'The ETS will connect Johor Baru straight to Kuala Lumpur and this will definitely help strengthen the industry, especially in terms of tourist movement, allowing them to visit more places.
'If they stay the night for cultural events such as this, it will also help increase hotel occupancy rates here,' he said.
Musa added that the spillover effects from the ETS, which reached Segamat in March, could already be seen.
'We can already see Segamat benefiting from this, especially during the durian season,' he said after officiating a Gawai and Kaamatan Festival celebration at a hotel here.
On another matter, Musa said that Tourism Malaysia has also been working closely with industry players, including hotels, to promote VM2026.
'We have been having engagement sessions with industry players from north to south to ensure that we are fully prepared for VM2026.
'Among issues that were brought up was the need for stronger collaboration to promote our initiatives, and we've been encouraging industry players to leverage digital media to reach a wider audience,' he said, adding that this preparation involves making sure that tour guides and hotels are fully equipped and ready to provide top-notch services for visitors.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Hotels Johor Chapter chairman Ivan Teo said the ETS will significantly improve connectivity and give a much-needed boost to tourism.
'One of the most positive developments is the train, which is not just beneficial for domestic travellers, but also for foreign tourists,' he said.
Teo added that the improved logistics will make Johor Baru more attractive not only as a destination but also as a gateway to other towns like Segamat and Kluang.
'Logistics is the foundation of tourism. Without good accessibility, it's hard to attract tourists.
'With this, we'll see more people coming, especially during the year-end school holidays,' he added.
It is understood that the Phase 2 of the extension of the southern ETS will be from Segamat to Kluang, while Phase 3 will see the train going past Kluang to Johor Baru.
However, to date, KTMB has not released any ETS schedule to Johor Baru, the expected journey time from Segamat to Johor Baru, or the expected opening date for the service.
In its latest release of advance ticket sales of up to November, no ETS tickets were offered for journeys beyond Segamat.
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