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New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
Ganja resembling belacan, chocolate, and keropok lekor seized
KANGAR: Belacan, chocolate bars and keropok lekor — these familiar favourites turned out to be a cover for a pungent plot here. The drugs, valued at RM9,238, were found in the possession of a 21-year-old Thai national who was arrested while attempting to board the Electric Train Service (ETS) heading south from Bukit Keteri Railway Station. Perlis police chief Datuk Muhammad Abdul Halim said the incident took place at Bukit Keteri railway station after police received information regarding a Thai man carrying cannabis who was planning to board the ETS. "Based on the information received, our personnel from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Perlis police contingent headquarters went to the station and successfully identified the 21-year-old suspect. "The man was believed to be waiting for the ETS heading south, and upon inspecting the backpack he was carrying, we found 27 plastic packets containing green plant material suspected to be cannabis, weighing 2.98 kilogrammes and valued at RM9,238," he said. Muhammad said preliminary investigations revealed the suspect was paid more than RM1,000 by the syndicate to deliver the cannabis via the ETS. "The cannabis was shaped and packaged to resemble shrimp paste, chocolate bars, and raw 'keropok lekor' in an attempt to fool the authorities during inspections. "The supply is believed to have been sourced from a neighbouring country, with Perlis used as a transit point before being distributed or sold in southern states. "The suspect's modus operandi involved delivering drug supplies from Thailand into the country on demand, for a fee of RM1,500," he said. Following this, police arrested another suspect, a 25-year-old local man in Alor Setar, who is also believed to be involved in the drug distribution syndicate. "Initial drug screening on the main suspect found him positive for methamphetamine. A background check revealed he has four prior criminal records related to drug offences. "The total amount of drugs seized in this case could serve approximately 29,870 drug addicts," he said. Muhammad said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The suspect has been remanded for seven days until this Thursday to assist with investigations.
The Star
08-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Faster by train, not plane
BUTTERWORTH: A train can never move faster than a plane, but a train ride can be faster than a flight. And when it comes to travel between Penang and the Klang Valley, many professionals now take the Electric Train Service (ETS) instead of catching a flight. 'When we include the drive to the airport, the regular flight delays, and then the drive from either Subang Airport or KLIA2 to the city centre, we realise how much time we waste, so we take the train now,' said Datuk Seri Ooi Eng Hock, the former Penang chairman of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers. He and several of his business associates have been using the ETS to travel to Kuala Lumpur for business meetings multiple times a month for the past five years. 'I often bump into other businessmen and VIPs on the train. 'I smile on seeing that many 'T20 people' have seen the logic in taking trains instead of planes from here to KL,' said Ooi. He said the journey is about four hours, and once, on an express ride from KL Sentral to Bukit Mertajam, it took him three and a half hours. The return fare for Ooi in business class is approximately RM300; however, he often finds himself opting for standard class due to the rapid sell-out of business class seats. 'It's time to add more coaches and improve the cleanliness and other services. However, I certainly find the provided meals pleasant,' he said. 'The train connection between Penang and KL is so important now. It is even more punctual than taking flights.' Another frequent ETS user is Muslim Jewellers and Money Changers Association Penang president Datuk Dr Anvar Hussain. 'It's easier for me when attending functions, as the train reaches there in four hours. ... Honestly, taking a flight to KL is a real hassle. Budget airlines have a tendency to take off late, and it screws up my time management,' he said. Many members of his association have now opted to take the train for their commutes between Penang and Kuala Lumpur, he said. Senior insurance consultant Kalaimoney Arumugam likes how there are coat hangers in business class for him to hang up his jacket. 'I can bring along my business suit for meetings and events without worrying about wrinkling it. 'I can also do last-minute updates of conference materials on my laptop, as it is more comfortable than the cramped seats on budget airlines,' he added. This increase in business travellers has prompted Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) to create the 'Ruby Lounge' at the Butterworth train station, a waiting area for those with business class tickets. ETS and Intercity Services general manager Nurul Azha Mokmin said the lounge, with a maximum capacity of 40 passengers, was upgraded with cushioned seats and more power outlets. 'Passengers using Komuter and ETS Standard Class services will now wait in the common area equipped with fans, while the Ruby Lounge is a value-added experience for business class passengers,' said Nurul after opening the lounge on Friday. According to KTMB, 470,508 passengers travelled on the ETS between Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur from January to May, with 420,653 in standard class and 49,855 in business class. Nurul also stated that all 250,000 tickets for the ETS and Intercity trains during the week-long school holiday were sold out, including approximately 130,000 for ETS trips and 120,000 for Intercity journeys between May 29 and June 9. 'We added 10,080 tickets for four extra trips, two each between Kuala Lumpur and Padang Besar and Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth, and all were sold out too,' said Nurul. She added that seats for two extra Intercity trips between Kuala Lumpur and Tumpat were also nearly sold out as of Friday. 'Each year, we record about a 10% increase in ridership,' she said. Ten new ETS trainsets, costing RM400mil, will be added next year to expand the fleet. 'We will be launching new routes between Gemas and Johor Baru with trains also operating from Johor Baru to Butterworth and Padang Besar. 'The trains have arrived and are currently undergoing commissioning,' she said.
The Sun
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
KTMB receives two of 10 new ETS train sets, testing underway
BUTTERWORTH: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has received two out of 10 new Electric Train Service (ETS) sets, worth RM400 million, which are expected to be gradually deployed for operations starting next year. ETS and Intercity Services general manager Nurul Azha Mokmin said that both train sets are currently undergoing testing and commissioning. She said that the acquisition of the new train sets aims to enhance both the quality and capacity of the ETS service, which continues to see strong demand. 'ETS passenger numbers grow by about 10 per cent annually, indicating high user satisfaction. With the upcoming completion of the Gemas (Negeri Sembilan) to Johor Bahru (Johor) route, KTMB plans to expand ETS services to several new destinations. 'We have procured 10 ETS train sets, which are expected to operate on the Gemas-Johor Bahru route, beginning next year. Subsequently, new routes from Johor Bahru to Butterworth and Padang Besar (Perlis) will also be introduced,' she said. She said this to reporters after officiating the Ruby Lounge at Butterworth Station, an exclusive waiting area for ETS Business Class passengers, and attending the distribution of Aidiladha souvenir packs by KTMB chief technical officer Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin. She added that over 250,000 ETS and Intercity train tickets, including additional tickets released for the Aidiladha celebration, had been sold as of yesterday, since sales began on May 29. She said this included the sale of 119,000 tickets for the Ekspres Selatan service, which covers the Johor Bahru-Gemas route, and remains in high demand. 'KTMB is also continuing its special service, the Ekspres Lambaian Aidiladha, for the KL Sentral-Tumpat and Tumpat-KL Sentral routes, as in previous years. This year, the service offers two trips, with a total of 872 tickets available,' she said. One-way fares range from RM80 to RM95, with options including premier and superior class seating, superior class sleeping coaches, as well as 'chillax' and cafe coaches for added passenger comfort. As of now, she said that 762 out of the 872 tickets have been sold. The train is scheduled to depart tonight and return to KL Sentral on June 8.
Malay Mail
05-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
With new ETS on track, KTMB preps Johor, Butterworth, Padang Besar routes
BUTTERWORTH, June 5 — Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has received two out of 10 new Electric Train Service (ETS) sets, worth RM400 million, which are expected to be gradually deployed for operations starting next year. ETS and Intercity Services general manager Nurul Azha Mokmin said that both train sets are currently undergoing testing and commissioning. She said that the acquisition of the new train sets aims to enhance both the quality and capacity of the ETS service, which continues to see strong demand. 'ETS passenger numbers grow by about 10 per cent annually, indicating high user satisfaction. With the upcoming completion of the Gemas (Negeri Sembilan) to Johor Bahru (Johor) route, KTMB plans to expand ETS services to several new destinations. 'We have procured 10 ETS train sets, which are expected to operate on the Gemas-Johor Bahru route, beginning next year. Subsequently, new routes from Johor Bahru to Butterworth and Padang Besar (Perlis) will also be introduced,' she said. She said this to reporters after officiating the Ruby Lounge at Butterworth Station, an exclusive waiting area for ETS Business Class passengers, and attending the distribution of Aidiladha souvenir packs by KTMB chief technical officer Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin. She added that over 250,000 ETS and Intercity train tickets, including additional tickets released for the Aidiladha celebration, had been sold as of yesterday, since sales began on May 29. She said this included the sale of 119,000 tickets for the Ekspres Selatan service, which covers the Johor Bahru-Gemas route, and remains in high demand. 'KTMB is also continuing its special service, the Ekspres Lambaian Aidiladha, for the KL Sentral-Tumpat and Tumpat-KL Sentral routes, as in previous years. This year, the service offers two trips, with a total of 872 tickets available,' she said. One-way fares range from RM80 to RM95, with options including premier and superior class seating, superior class sleeping coaches, as well as 'chillax' and cafe coaches for added passenger comfort. As of now, she said that 762 out of the 872 tickets have been sold. The train is scheduled to depart tonight and return to KL Sentral on June 8. — Bernama
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
YAHOO POLL: Have you completed Malaysia's VEP requirement?
Malaysia announced this week that they will finally start cracking down and enforcing their much talked about Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system. Singapore-registered vehicles must have completed the application and activated the RFID tag, which is being used to match your vehicle to the permit, before entering Malaysia by land from 1 July. Drivers without a valid VEP risk incurring a RM300 (S$91) fine. Other polls: YAHOO POLL: Have you used an automated bot before? YAHOO POLL: Do you agree with US defence chief's comparison of Donald Trump and Lee Kuan Yew? YAHOO POLL: Are exclusive concerts the way to go for Singapore tourism right now? As of June this year, 194,507 RFID tags have been installed and activated, according to estimates by the Malaysian government. The country's Transport Minister Anthony Loke said there are some 36,000 Singaporean cars yet to install the tags. If you're still keen on those long weekend trips to Malaysia but feel like the VEP is a hassle, there are other options to get there. And soon it will become much easier to travel between Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur with the August 2025 launch of the Electric Train Service (ETS). But July comes before August, so we want to know: Have you completed Malaysia's VEP requirement? Related Loke: VEP enforcement for Singapore vehicles to start July 1, JPJ to issue summonses How to ensure my car is VEP-ready for entry into Malaysia before July 1 Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) for Driving to Malaysia The Ultimate Guide to KTM Ticket Prices, Train Schedule, and More (2025) KL to JB ETS launches Aug 2025 — a new era for Singapore-Malaysia travel
