Train fans will be pleased to know that a traditional Malaysia steam locomotive train experience will soon be available in 2024 at selected destinations in Malaysia.
This news is a bonus in building up to Visit Malaysia Year 2025 as local train operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) has joined forces with a local company called Great Leisure Sdn Bhd.
Malaysia Steam Locomotive Train Experience
A news publication announced in early May 2023 that the KTMB Steam Locomotive Train experience will start operating as early as January 2024.
The concept will feature a classic passenger train hauled by a traditional steam locomotive and a traditional interior concept that will win the hearts of train tourism fans worldwide.
The Tourism Heritage Steam Locomotive Train project is a unique collaboration between KTMB and Great Leisure Sdn Bhd and aims to attract local and foreign tourists to enjoy the beauty of nature along the railway line.
 |
| A Class 56 steam train engine was seen somewhere in Malaysia. |
Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth will be the initial destinations for the steam train service before covering other destinations.
The follow-up routes will let passengers enjoy the beauty of interesting tourist attractions along the railway line, especially on the forest route from Gemas, Negeri Sembilan, to Tumpat, Kelantan.
Great Leisure's MD has also mentioned that the interior decoration of the passenger coaches makes full use of the craft produced by local talents, which is currently about 70 per cent completed.
He also mentioned that passenger seats will feature a design concept inspired by legendary Malaysian actors and singers P. Ramlee and Saloma.
 |
| The Class O 4-6-2 Steam Locomotive. Image from Steam in West Malaysia. |
Passengers can use the service as a mode of transportation to tourist destinations and the train as a venue to hold any event, including weddings.
As for the KTMB steam locomotive train engine, there was no mention, but if I were to guess, it could be the KTMB Class O 4-6-2 steam locomotive, which was highly popular and known as the O Class.
It won't be the American-built USATC 2-8-2 trains because those are defunct and probably scrap metal by now. Again I feel it's the O Class 564 series, one of which has been in storage.
For more information, please visit the Malaysia steam trains and engines from back in the day, as there is much to learn for the train aficionado.
 |
| One of the old Malaysia train maps. |
Conclusion
For now, no official photos or news were released at the time of this writing in May 2023, but once there are, I will update this article. You can also check KTMB for any other information about trains.
Therefore, train fans in Malaysia and around the world, you can soon get on the Malaysia steam locomotive train experience and explore Malaysia.