Budget 2027: Anwar to announce cheaper KTM Southern Shuttle fares, says Loke

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to unveil a budget proposal during the 2027 presentation in the Dewan Rakyat, which may bring relief to commuters on the KTM Komuter Southern Shuttle service. Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed that the new initiative is anticipated to reduce the cost of living, as the Southern Shuttle has already catered to around 20,000 passengers daily, with an average of 200 to 300 passengers.

The Southern Shuttle, introduced in June, connects Kulai, Paloh, and Kempas Baru to Johor Bahru Sentral using existing trains from Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). Loke mentioned that these two Southern Shuttle trains are currently operational assets, waiting for the acquisition of new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains that will take two to three years to procure.

Meanwhile, the Tebrau Shuttle service, which links Johor Bahru Sentral to Singapore's Woodlands Train Checkpoint, will cease operations six months post the commencement of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link in February, as per the bilateral agreement between Malaysia and Singapore.