However, the company said it will only be done in phases, after ensuring the safety and reliability of the service to the southern sector, Bernama reported.

“KTMB’s primary responsibility is to ensure safety, reliability and readiness before opening any new segment to the public,” it said in a statement today.

KTMB said it is working with the relevant contractors and authorities to ensure the next segment of its service, from Segamat to Kluang, will be ready as soon as possible, with trial runs currently under way.

The three phases for the ETS extension in Johor are to Segamat, Kluang, and JB Sentral in Johor Bahru. The service currently runs from Padang Besar in Perlis to Segamat.

“The transport minister (Loke Siew Fook) had announced last March, when launching the service to Segamat, that the extension in the southern sector will be done in phases, depending on several critical technical milestones and regulatory approvals,” KTMB said.

The company said it wanted to reassure the public of its commitment to delivering a safe, modern and transformative rail service for the southern corridor, following recent reports on the service being extended to Johor Bahru.

KTMB said the ETS service to Segamat has been operating successfully since March this year, offering improved travel options and stimulating local economic activity.

“KTMB wishes to thank all passengers, local stakeholders and the public for their patience and continued support. We remain fully committed to making ETS travel to the south a success,” it said.