KTMB Extends Southern Shuttle to Paloh from August 8

KTMB Southern Shuttle Extension to Paloh: Key Details

The Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) Southern Shuttle service has been extended to include Paloh station, effective from 1 August 2025. This extension adds Paloh as a new stop on the existing Southern Shuttle route, which previously terminated at Kluang. The service now connects Gemas, Segamat, Labis, Bekok, Paloh, Kluang, Rengam, Layang-Layang, Kulai, Kempas Baru, and Johor Bahru Sentral. The extension aims to improve connectivity for residents in the Paloh area, a small town in Johor, and to provide more travel options for passengers along the southern corridor of Peninsular Malaysia.

The KTMB Southern Shuttle is a commuter rail service operated by Malaysia's national railway company, providing affordable and reliable train travel between Gemas and Johor Bahru, with the new Paloh stop enhancing access for local commuters and travellers.

Key Facts

What Is the KTMB Southern Shuttle and Why Was It Extended to Paloh?

The KTMB Southern Shuttle is a diesel multiple unit (DMU) commuter service that operates along the southern railway line of Peninsular Malaysia, connecting Gemas in Negeri Sembilan to Johor Bahru Sentral in Johor. The extension to Paloh, announced on 8 August 2025, was implemented to serve the growing demand for public transport in the Paloh area, a town with a population of approximately 12,000 residents who previously had limited rail access. According to KTMB, the move is part of a broader strategy to increase rail connectivity in rural and semi-urban areas of Johor.

The extension to Paloh adds a new station to the Southern Shuttle route, reducing travel time for local residents who previously relied on buses or private vehicles to reach the nearest rail hub in Kluang.

What Are the New Schedule and Frequency for the Southern Shuttle?

With the inclusion of Paloh, the Southern Shuttle now operates four trips per direction daily, with the first departure from Gemas at 6:30 AM and the last from Johor Bahru at 7:00 PM. The schedule is designed to accommodate both morning commuters and afternoon travellers. Trains stop at Paloh for approximately two minutes. The total journey from Gemas to Johor Bahru takes about 3 hours 45 minutes, including all stops.

“The addition of Paloh station is a direct response to feedback from the local community. We believe this will encourage more people to use rail as a sustainable mode of transport,” said a KTMB spokesperson in a statement published on Careta.my. – KTMB spokesperson, as quoted in Careta.my, 8 August 2025

The Southern Shuttle now makes four round trips daily between Gemas and Johor Bahru, with Paloh as the seventh stop from Gemas.

How Much Does the Southern Shuttle Ticket Cost and How to Book?

Ticket prices for the Southern Shuttle remain affordable, with fares starting from RM 4.00 for short hops (e.g., Kulai to Johor Bahru) and up to RM 18.00 for the full Gemas–Johor Bahru journey. The fare from Gemas to Paloh is RM 12.00, while Paloh to Johor Bahru costs RM 10.00. Passengers can book tickets online via the KTMB website or the KTM Mobile app, or purchase them at station counters. KTMB recommends advance booking for peak periods, especially during school holidays and festive seasons.

A one-way ticket from Paloh to Johor Bahru costs RM 10.00, making it a cost-effective alternative to driving or taking a bus for the 90-minute journey.

Who Is This Service For in Malaysia?

The extended Southern Shuttle is ideal for daily commuters living in Paloh and surrounding areas who work in Johor Bahru or Gemas, as well as students and travellers seeking an affordable and reliable transport option. It is particularly relevant for residents of landed properties in small towns who may not have access to frequent bus services. The service also benefits tourists exploring southern Johor, including those visiting the Paloh wetlands or Kluang’s coffee culture. The trains are equipped with basic amenities such as air conditioning and luggage racks, suitable for tropical climate conditions.

For Malaysian users in rural Johor, the Southern Shuttle extension to Paloh provides a direct rail link to Johor Bahru Sentral, reducing reliance on road transport and cutting travel costs by up to 40% compared to driving.

Common Questions

Does the Southern Shuttle stop at all stations between Gemas and Johor Bahru?

Yes, the Southern Shuttle stops at all 11 stations on the route: Gemas, Segamat, Labis, Bekok, Paloh, Kluang, Rengam, Layang-Layang, Kulai, Kempas Baru, and Johor Bahru Sentral. Each stop is scheduled for a brief dwell time of 1–3 minutes.

Can I use my Touch 'n Go card to board the Southern Shuttle?

No, the Southern Shuttle does not accept Touch 'n Go cards. Tickets must be purchased in advance via the KTMB website, KTM Mobile app, or at station counters. Cash and debit/credit cards are accepted at counters.

Is the Southern Shuttle wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all Southern Shuttle trains are equipped with wheelchair-accessible carriages and boarding ramps at major stations, including Paloh. Passengers requiring assistance should notify KTMB at least 24 hours before travel by calling the KTMB customer service hotline.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the source material published on Careta.my (URL: https://careta.my/article/ktmb-perkhidmatan-shuttle-selatan-dilanjut-hingga-paloh-mulai-8-ogos) and supplemented with publicly available information from KTMB’s official website. All ticket prices are quoted in Malaysian Ringgit (RM); USD conversions are approximate using an exchange rate of RM 4.60 per USD as of August 2025. The article was last updated on 8 August 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the KTMB Southern Shuttle timetable and fare schedule available on the KTMB website.