Malaysia

For the westerner Malaysia is a very cheap country to visit, although during my time of going the pound has gone steadily down against the Ringgit.

The only Hotel I’ve ever stayed in while in Malaysia is the Hilton Kuala Lumpur, right outside Central KL station. At £70 for a twin room it was more than worth it. It was like being a King for the 3 nights we stayed and everything you’d expect from a Hilton.

Getting to/from the airport (both International & Domestic) is easy with the KLIA Express, which runs direct from Central KL station to the KL International Airport in 28 minutes. The KLIA Transit (stopping service which takes 35 minutes) connects into road transport at Salak Tinggi station, provided by the KLIA Express as a through ticket, to get you to the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).

KLIA is where almost all International flights depart from.

LCCT is where the Malaysian low cost operator Air Asia operates from, and its International flights use this terminal as well.

For the Rail Enthusiast

KTMB operate Intercity services throughout the country. KTM Komuter runs commuter trains between Seremban – KL – Rawang – Tanjung Malim. Since 2011 ETS have provided brand new trains to operate express services on the Seremban – KL – Rawang – Ipoh route, now the section from Rawang to Ipoh has been electrified.

Tickets for Intercity trains can be booked online at KTMB E-ticket. It’s simple to use and you print your tickets out once booked.

Train Timetables are generally available through the KTM website.

Tourist passes are available from major stations which allow travel on Intercity trains only for a period of either 5, 10 or 15 days. The 10 day pass costs US$55, which is always converted to the current Malaysian Ringgit equivalent upon purchase.

These passes require reservations to be made for all trains, other than the “Mail” trains on the Tumpat line and the International Express between Butterworth & Padang Besar. They’re valid in all classes and reservations are free in seating accommodation. Sleeper berths are charged extra depending on class and whether you have an upper or lower berth. Details of the accommodation can be found on the Seat 61 website.

Unfortunately Singapore station closed in June 2011 and trains now terminate at Woodlands, which is the border post between Malaysia & Singapore. The station remains and will thankfully not be demolished.

Locomotives

YDM4 – 30 hired by KTM from IRCON

6149, 6181, 6279, 6343, 6352, 6375, 6377, 6423, 6428, 6535, 6542, 6543, 6546, 6561, 6614, 6633, 6635, 6648, 6657, 6663, 6665, 6675, 6685, 6697, 6699, 6701, 6702, 6704, 6723, 6725

Every time I’ve been the YDM4s have worked different trains and it seems that KTM utilise them where needed depending on requirements at the time. They have bases at Gemas, Prai (Butterworth) & Batu Gajah.

19 – shunting locomotives

22 – EE built 8 cylinder machines, of which only 2 remain in service but not with KTM, they’re operated by EM rail, who are involved with the nationwide construction of Malaysia’s high speed line.

23 – Hitachi built Pielstick, used on the odd passenger on the Tumpat line or between Butterworth & Padang Besar

24 – Hitachi built Pielstick, used on Express trains throughout the country

25 – GM 8-645, used on Express trains throughout the country

26 – Bombardier built GE, used on freight throughout the country

29 – Dalian built Ruston, used on fright throughout the country

EM Rail – are a company involved with the construction of the new high speed line throughout the country. They have a strange fleet but my observations are as follows:

RE7000 – single (middle) cabbed unit based at Taiping

RE7001 – English Electric ex 1644

RE7002 – English Electric ex 16xx

RE7003 – English Electric ex 22115 (still has it’s 22115 plate on the cab)

RE7004? – English Electric ex 22127 (once overhauled at Taiping?)

There is a KTM Railfan Forum which does provide lists of locomotives seen and on which train which can indicate what the YDM4s are being used on at the time.