ETS Train KL to Butterworth and Padang Besar

A new ETS train service from KL to Butterworth and Padang Besar was launched on the 10th July 2015.

The ETS Class 93 high-speed train service dubbed the Malaysian 'Bullet Train' was also launched by the Malaysian Transport Minister during a test trip from Batu Gajah to Kuala Lumpur.

ETS Train KL to Butterworth

Currently, the ETS train from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar will also run twice daily and is planned to increase in future.

The train journey will also be 4 hours and 45 minutes one way and will stop at 28 stations on the way, including Kuala Kangsar, Taiping and Kamunting (This is still yet to be confirmed by KTMB).

Each set of the modern-looking Class 93 ETS trains comprise six coaches and has a total capacity of 312 passengers.

The all-new Class 93 ETS trains for Malaysia

The minister was quoted saying there a total of 10 sets of these ETS trains have been ordered and once fitted, they will all be put for the KL-Padang Besar route.

There are also plans to introduce Klang Valley commuter services within certain districts in Perak, citing Kuala Kangsar-Sungai Siput-Ipoh-Kampar as a possible route. 

A brand new manufacturing plant for rail transportation by CRRC Rolling Stock Centre Malaysia has also been opened at Batu Gajah.

The plant with, 160 staff is able to produce 100 new carriages annually, as well as overhaul and maintain 150 vehicles, including the electric and diesel locomotives, mass rapid transit (MRT) and high-speed trains (HST). 

ETS train fare from Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar;

KL to Padang Besar: RM80 (to get the full list, see the KTMB site)
Website: KTMB Website

Currently, there are some timing matters with this new service where the train makes various stops and there is a transit time involved. You need to check with KTMB for the actual timings too.

ETS Journey Timing
• Kuala Lumpur - Ipoh: 2 hours

• Kuala Lumpur - Penang: 3 Hours

• Kuala Lumpur - Padang Besar: 4 Hours 45 Minutes

KTM ETS Train KL-Butterworth Test Video

The ETS Class 93 train video above is from Suara TV where the staff were on board another train waiting for the new KTM Class 93 ETS train to pass by.

Judging from this video, the new train looks very modern and stylish compared to the older trains that we once used to operate.

The new Malaysia ETS train (Various photos taken from Chinese websites)

KTM Class 93 ETS Train Information

The KTM Class 93 is a custom-built train engineered to high-speed metre gauge operation and also dubbed the "Malaysian Bullet Train".

The head section features a streamline sloped head, with better aerodynamic efficiency relative to previous KTM rail classes.

It is expected to be the fastest operating train on metre gauge in Malaysia. Facilities include modern toilets, prayer area and comfortable seating.

KTMB purchased 10 new Class 93 six-coach-set electric trains from its Chinese rail transport provider, CRRC Rolling Stock Centre Malaysia (CRM), at a cost of RM506 million.

Conclusion

Malaysia's first ETS train from Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh began operations on Aug 12, 2010. The first South Korean made trains can travel at speeds of 160km per hour and take only two hours to reach Ipoh making train travel much faster.

This time around, the Chinese made ETS Train KL to Butterworth and Padang Besar will only take less than 5 hours, which makes it very convenient.