Malaysia Info Guide
for Locals & Visitors

The railway network system in Malaysia has always been a key component in the country’s progress. The first railway track was built in 1885 linking tin mining town, Taiping to Port Weld. From a mere 12.8km of track, the network grew as Malaysia developed and prospered.

In 1913, rail connection linking Padang Besar in Perlis to Singapore was completed, while for the East Coast sector, the Gemas – Tumpat connection up to Hatyai in Thailand, was completed in 1930.

In the beginning, all rail services was managed separately according to each Malayan state. However, the British colonials later decided to streamline all rail administration by implementing the Malayan Railway Ordinance in 1948. Thus, the Federated Malay State Railways became the Malayan Railway Administration which upon corporatisation, was re-named KTM Berhad.

KTM Berhad was corporatised on August 1, 1992 under the Railways Act 1991. Although still wholly-owned by the government, KTM Berhad currently operates as a private sector organization, responsible for its own revenue and operations.

In 122 years of KTM Berhad history, it has undergone tremendous changes, from the first steam locomotive in 1885 to diesel engines in 1958. In 1995, KTM Berhad introduced KTM Komuter, Malaysia’s first electrified rail system.

With its service covering the length and breadth of the country, KTM Berhad runs its train on a meter gauge of 1,000mm, over a track length of 2,262 km.

Website of Malaysian Railway (KTM)