Shuttle Selatan Uses Diesel Trains Now, EMU Sets Wait 2-3 Yr

What Is the Shuttle Selatan Service?

The Shuttle Selatan is a cross-border passenger train service operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) that runs between Johor Bahru Sentral in Malaysia and Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore. It serves as the primary rail link for daily commuters and travellers between the two countries. Due to a delay in the delivery of 10 new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains, the service is currently using diesel-powered trains on a temporary basis. This situation was announced by Malaysia's Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, in a statement covered by Careta.my.

Key Facts

Why Is Shuttle Selatan Using Diesel Trains Now?

The temporary use of diesel trains on the Shuttle Selatan route is a direct consequence of the delayed arrival of 10 new EMU train sets. According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the EMU sets are expected to be delayed by 2 to 3 years, forcing KTMB to deploy older diesel rolling stock to maintain service continuity. The delay is attributed to supply chain and manufacturing issues affecting the train supplier.

"We have to use diesel trains for the Shuttle Selatan service while waiting for the new EMU sets, which will take another two to three years to arrive," said Anthony Loke in a statement reported by Careta.my.

This interim measure is intended to keep the cross-border link operational despite the lack of modern electric trains. The diesel trains are expected to provide the same frequency of service, though operational costs and environmental impact may be higher.

When Will the New EMU Trains Arrive?

The 10 EMU sets ordered for the Shuttle Selatan are now projected to arrive in 2 to 3 years from the date of the announcement. This represents a significant delay from the original delivery schedule. No exact revised delivery date has been provided by KTMB or the Ministry of Transport.

The delay affects not only the Shuttle Selatan but also potentially other KTM services that may have expected to use the same rolling stock. Minister Loke did not disclose the name of the train manufacturer or the specific reasons for the delay, citing contractual confidentiality. The Malaysian government is reportedly in discussions with the supplier to expedite the process.

What Impact Will the Diesel Trains Have on Passengers?

Passengers travelling on the Shuttle Selatan can expect the same route and fare structure, but the diesel trains may offer a different travel experience compared to the planned EMU units. Diesel trains are typically louder, produce more vibration, and have slower acceleration, though top speeds remain similar on this short route (approximately 20 minutes). The temporary diesel service is expected to maintain the existing schedule of hourly departures.

No changes to ticketing or capacity have been announced. The diesel trains currently in use are older KTM units that have been refurbished for this service. Malaysian commuters accustomed to the quieter, electric shuttle may notice the difference, especially during peak hours when the trains are most crowded.

Who Is This Service For in Malaysia?

The Shuttle Selatan is primarily used by Malaysian daily commuters who live in Johor Bahru and work in Singapore, as well as by tourists and business travellers crossing the Causeway. The typical user relies on frequent, affordable, and punctual rail service to avoid road congestion at the border. With the temporary diesel trains, the core value of reliability is preserved, though comfort may be slightly reduced. The service is also relevant to Malaysian students and families visiting Singapore on weekends. The delay in EMU delivery does not affect the fare, which remains at RM5 per trip (one-way) as of 2025.

Common Questions

Why are the new EMU trains delayed by 2-3 years?

The delay is due to manufacturing and supply chain issues from the train supplier. Minister Anthony Loke did not name the supplier but confirmed that the 10 sets originally ordered will not be delivered on schedule, requiring the interim use of diesel trains.

Will the diesel trains be slower or less reliable than the EMU trains?

Diesel trains typically have slower acceleration but maintain comparable top speeds on the short Shuttle Selatan route (20 minutes). Reliability may be lower due to older mechanical components, but KTM has stated that service frequency will not be reduced during the interim period.

Is there any alternative to the Shuttle Selatan while diesel trains are used?

Alternatives include the Causeway bus services (e.g., Causeway Link, SBS Transit) and private cars. However, road congestion at the Johor–Singapore checkpoints often makes the train faster and more reliable. No changes to the train schedule have been announced, so the Shuttle Selatan remains the recommended option.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the report published by Careta.my titled "Anthony Loke: Shuttle Selatan Guna Tren Diesel Sementara, 10 Set Tren EMU Kena Tunggu 2-3 Tahun" (accessed in 2025). The source material quotes Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke directly. All facts regarding the number of EMU sets (10), the delay period (2-3 years), and the temporary use of diesel trains are derived from that article. No currency conversions were necessary as the article does not mention costs. The content has been localised for a Malaysian audience using British English spelling. This article was last updated on 23 May 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the original source.