Johor Bahru:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to reveal a significant initiative aimed at making the KTM Komuter Southern Shuttle service more affordable during the Budget 2027 presentation in the Dewan Rakyat tomorrow.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Transport Minister Anthony Loke described the upcoming announcement as welcome news, highlighting its potential to further alleviate the current cost of living for the public. The Southern Shuttle, which began operations in June, has successfully transported about 20,000 passengers so far, with a daily average of 200 to 300 commuters.

Loke mentioned that the Prime Minister's announcement would be particularly beneficial for commuters traveling from Kempas, Paloh, and Kulai to Johor Bahru. He made these remarks while attending the launch event for the expansion of the BAS.MY service in Johor Bahru.

Currently, KTMB operates the Southern Shuttle service using existing trains as an interim solution, with routes connecting Kulai to Johor Bahru Sentral, as well as Kempas Baru, Pasir Gudang, and Paloh. The service utilizes two sets of trains, awaiting the procurement of new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains expected in two to three years.

On a related note, Loke addressed the future of the Tebrau Shuttle service, noting that the planned launch of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link next February will not immediately impact the current operations by KTMB. The Tebrau Shuttle will continue until six months after the RTS Link becomes operational, per the bilateral agreement between Malaysia and Singapore.

The Tebrau Shuttle, operational since July 1, 2015, connects JB Sentral and the Woodlands Train Checkpoint, facilitating a five-minute cross-border journey. With a capacity of 8,635 passengers daily, the service runs 31 trips in both directions, with ticket prices set at RM5 from JB Sentral to Woodlands and SGD5 from Woodlands to JB Sentral.