Are diesel engines still used on Malaysia’s railroads?
While Malaysia and the rest of the world are embracing sleeker and more sustainable modes of transportation such as the MRT, the question remains whether diesel-powered trains are still in use in this country’s evolving transit landscape.
Is it true that diesel-powered trains still run on Malaysian railroads?
Verdict:
TRUE
The Ekspres Rakyat Timuran is the last train in Malaysia that uses diesel-powered locomotives. Originally named the “Golden Blowpipe” by the British, this train, now known as the Jungle Railway, was built in 1885 during the British colonial period to transport tin for the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM).
The Jungle Railway, which officially began operating in 1938, gets its name from the beautiful views of Malaysia’s natural landscapes and rainforests. It spans 520km, takes over 16 hours to complete, and connects Gemas in Negri Sembilan to the Thai border of Tumpat in the northeast.
The trip starts at 8.35pm from Kempas railway in Johor Baru near the Singapore border, and offers travelers a scenic view of ancient rainforests and rivers.
The Jungle Railway’s historical significance puts it in a precarious position as the upcoming 665 km East Coast Rail Link, set to transform East Coast transit by 2026, threatens its existence.
Amidst a world dominated by urban living, a journey on the Jungle Railway offers a serene escape into nature, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Sources:
1) https://www.thestar.com.my/
2) https://www.bbc.com/travel/
southeast-asias-greatest-
3) https://www.scmp.com/
through-malaysias-jungle-its-
4) https://thesmartlocal.my/
5) https://www.thenationalnews.
