The decision to deploy diesel trains for the Shuttle Selatan service was made based on professional considerations to ensure commuters continue to benefit from efficient public transport without prolonged waiting times.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the move was necessary as the government sought to optimise existing rail assets following the completion of the Gemas–Johor Bahru Electrified Double Track Project.
He said critics questioning the use of diesel trains should understand that the existing rolling stock was repurposed after the introduction of the Electric Train Service (ETS) on the newly completed route.
According to him, the ministry was left with two options — either wait for new Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains to be manufactured over the next two to three years or utilise available diesel trains to immediately serve commuters in Johor.
He added that the government chose the second option in order to prevent unnecessary delays in providing public transport access to the public.
As a result, residents along the Shuttle Selatan route are now able to access an alternative rail service connecting Kulai to JB Sentral, with travel times estimated at between 30 to 40 minutes.
Loke also noted that the Kempas Baru–Pasir Gudang line, previously limited to cargo operations, has now been opened for passenger services for the first time.
He said the service remains heavily subsidised, with the government allocating between RM11 million and RM15 million annually to support operations.
The ministry had earlier approved the procurement of 10 new EMU commuter train sets, valued at approximately RM200 million, to further strengthen the Southern Shuttle Komuter service.
Loke said while the new trains will be delivered in due course, there is no justification for delaying current services when existing resources can already be put to use for public benefit.
