Trains See Strong Demand, But Hotels Yet to Benefit in Johor

JOHOR BARU, Sept 15 (VoM):While the expansion of Keretapi Tanah Melayu’s electric train service (ETS) is drawing more passengers, hoteliers in Johor say the tourism boost many expected has yet to materialize.

The ETS, which began running to Segamat in March and was extended to Kluang on Aug 30, has not significantly impacted hotel occupancy rates in the districts, according to industry players.

Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (Johor chapter) chairman Jarod Chia said occupancy levels in Segamat had actually fallen in recent months, while Kluang recorded only a slight increase in August.

“For now, we have not seen much change. Perhaps the impact will only be felt once the service reaches Johor Baru,” Chia said, noting the line is expected to extend to the city by year-end.

He added that while the ETS would support both Visit Johor 2026 and Visit Malaysia 2026, success would depend on active promotions and partnerships. “Information on the ETS should also be easily available by now so that people can start getting used to it,” he said.

Echoing the view, Malaysian Association of Hotels (Johor chapter) chairman Ivan Teo said the ETS would likely need at least three months to show tangible results once it begins operating in Johor Baru.

“It is too early to see the effects now since it has yet to reach Johor Baru, where the real crowd is,” Teo said. “Even then, it will take some adjustment, as many visitors, particularly Singaporeans, still prefer to travel by car or bus.”

To accelerate adoption, he suggested more visibility through billboards and promotional videos in high-traffic areas, including malls and immigration checkpoints.

For now, Johor’s hotel sector remains cautiously optimistic, awaiting the ETS’ arrival in the state capital to truly test its potential as a tourism driver.

@voice of malaysia news