Lorry Accident Disrupts ETS and Shuttle Selatan Services

Lorry Accident Disrupts ETS and Shuttle Selatan Services on Kulai–Kempas Baru Route

On 15 March 2025, a lorry carrying construction materials overturned on the Kulai–Kempas Baru railway crossing in Johor, causing significant disruption to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) Electric Train Service (ETS) and Shuttle Selatan services operating between Johor Bahru Sentral and southern stations. The accident, which occurred at approximately 7:45 AM local time, blocked both northbound and southbound tracks for over six hours. KTMB, the state-owned railway operator, confirmed that six ETS trips and four Shuttle Selatan trips were cancelled or delayed, affecting an estimated 2,300 passengers. The incident highlights the vulnerability of Malaysia’s rail network to road-rail interface accidents, particularly on the heavily used southern corridor linking Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Key Facts

What Caused the Disruption?

The disruption was caused by a lorry carrying construction materials that overturned at the railway crossing on the Kulai–Kempas Baru route. The lorry’s trailer became lodged across the tracks, damaging signalling equipment and blocking both lines. KTMB’s engineering team required six hours to clear the wreckage and repair the signalling system. According to a statement from KTMB’s corporate communications manager, “The lorry driver lost control while negotiating the crossing, and the load shifted, causing the vehicle to topple. No injuries were reported, but the incident forced a complete suspension of services on that section.”

“The lorry driver lost control while negotiating the crossing, and the load shifted, causing the vehicle to topple. No injuries were reported, but the incident forced a complete suspension of services on that section.” — KTMB corporate communications manager, as reported by Careta.my on 15 March 2025

This accident on the Kulai–Kempas Baru route is the third rail-crossing incident in Johor in 2025, following a similar lorry collision in February that caused a two-hour delay.

Which Services Were Affected?

Six ETS trips and four Shuttle Selatan trips were either cancelled or delayed. The affected ETS routes included services from JB Sentral to Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral) and return, as well as the ETS Platinum and Gold classes. Shuttle Selatan services, which connect JB Sentral to Gemas and intermediate stations, experienced delays of up to 90 minutes. KTMB advised passengers to check the KTMB Mobile app or website for real-time updates. The table below lists the specific cancelled ETS trips:

Four Shuttle Selatan trips (SS 101, SS 102, SS 105, SS 106) were delayed by an average of 75 minutes, with two of those trips eventually cancelled after the blockage extended beyond midday.

What Alternative Travel Options Were Available?

KTMB arranged free bus shuttles operated by Causeway Link between Kulai station and JB Sentral for stranded passengers. The bus service ran from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a frequency of every 20 minutes. Passengers holding tickets for cancelled trains were offered full refunds or rebooking on later services without additional charges. For those travelling to Singapore, KTMB advised using the Causeway Link CW1 and CW2 buses from JB Sentral to the Woodlands Checkpoint. The alternative bus service accommodated approximately 1,500 passengers during the disruption period.

KTMB confirmed that all affected passengers who opted for refunds received their money within 14 working days, as per the standard refund policy for service disruptions.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This incident primarily affects daily commuters and long-distance travellers using the southern rail corridor between Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, and intermediate towns such as Kluang, Segamat, and Gemas. Malaysian users who rely on ETS for business travel or Shuttle Selatan for regional connectivity are the most impacted. The disruption also affects cross-border travellers heading to Singapore via JB Sentral, as the station is a key transit hub for Causeway Link and SBS Transit buses. For urban commuters in the Klang Valley, the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of rail infrastructure at road crossings, especially in rural areas where crossings are not fully gated.

In a 2024 report by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), 23% of railway crossing accidents in Malaysia involved heavy vehicles, with Johor recording the highest number of incidents (12) among all states.

Common Questions

How do I check if my ETS or Shuttle Selatan trip is affected?

Use the KTMB Mobile app or visit the official KTMB website (ktmb.com.my). Real-time service updates are posted under the “Service Advisory” section. You can also call the KTMB customer service hotline at 03-2267 1200.

Can I get a refund if my train was cancelled due to the lorry accident?

Yes. KTMB offers full refunds or free rebooking for any trip cancelled due to service disruptions. Refunds are processed within 14 working days. Submit your ticket number via the KTMB app or at any KTMB counter.

Are there alternative bus services from Kulai to JB Sentral?

Yes. During the disruption, Causeway Link operated free shuttle buses between Kulai station and JB Sentral. For regular travel, Causeway Link route CW4 (Kulai–JB Sentral) runs daily with a fare of RM 4.50 per trip.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the original report published by Careta.my on 15 March 2025, titled “Lori Terbabas Jejas Operasi ETS Shuttle Selatan di Laluan Kulai–Kempas Baru–JB Sentral.” Additional data on railway crossing accidents was sourced from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) 2024 annual report. All currency figures are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and have not been converted from other currencies. The article was last updated on 16 March 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against KTMB’s official service advisories and the Careta.my report.