In conjunction with the Thaipusam festival on the 11th of this month, KTM Berhad (KTMB) will provide free rides on Klang Valley’s electric trains for two consecutive days starting from the 10th.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that from the 9th to the 12th of this month, the electric train will operate around the clock, and passengers can scan their way out through the Automatic Control Gates (ACG).
He said that during this period, the Port Klang-Tanjung Malim-Port Klang line services will operate according to the full timetable to meet the demands of passengers, especially Hindu devotees, tourists, and those who wish to experience the unique atmosphere of Thaipusam at Batu Caves.
He said at a press conference at Batu Caves Electric Train Station that nearly 500,000 people are expected to use this electric train service, a 10% increase from last year, with a peak expected on the festival day itself, the 11th of this month.
Anthony Loke mentioned that there will be an additional 494 train services covering four days and three nights, including 33 additional services for the Batu Caves to Pelabuhan Klang route, 45 for the Batu Caves to Port Klang route, and 28 for the KL Sentral to Batu Caves route.
Additional services also include 6 for the Batu Caves to Bangi route, 3 for the Batu Caves-Sentul route, and 3 for the Batu Caves-Subang Jaya route.
“The additional train services will start after the last daily train service, with the earliest train from Pelabuhan Klang to Batu Caves departing at 9:55 PM, while the earliest from Port Klang to Batu Caves will depart at 9:30 PM.
“As for passengers at KL Sentral, the additional train services will adjust from the existing schedule, with trains to Batu Caves every 30 minutes starting from 11:00 AM, compared to one train per hour during regular times.”
Additionally, Anthony Loke also announced that Prasarana Malaysia Berhad will provide free shuttle bus services through RapidKL and RapidPenang from the 10th to 11th of February.
RapidKL will arrange 30 buses at the Central Market bus terminal, Gombak LRT Station, and Kampung Batu MRT Station, departing every 10 minutes to Batu Caves. As for RapidPenang, 12 buses will be provided to transport passengers from the Penang ferry terminal to Adventist Hospital, with intervals between 20 to 60 minutes.
“The Penang Port Commission (SPPP) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd will provide 24-hour free ferry services from the 10th to 11th of February and extend the service until 2:30 AM on the 12th of February.”
Anthony Loke added that BAS.MY will offer free bus services on the 11th in Johor Bahru, Seremban, and Ipoh to facilitate Hindu devotees using public transport to visit nearby temples and participate in the celebrations.