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KTM Class 94

Malaysian electric train

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The KTM Class 94 is a type of electric multiple unit manufactured for Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), used on Electric Train Service (ETS) between Padang Besar and JB Sentral. Branded as ETS 3, these sets started operations on the new KL Sentral-Kluang route on 30 August 2025 and currently serve the route mainly from KL Sentral to JB Sentral

01Procurement

A tender was called by Ministry of Transport in May 2020 for 10 six-car intercity EMUs, with three manufacturers putting up bids for the project.

CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, which had manufactured the earlier Class 93, was awarded the tender for the new trains. As part of the conditions, 2 sets would be manufactured at CRRC Zhuzhou's factory in China while the remaining 8 sets would be manufactured in CRRC's factory in Batu Gajah, Malaysia.

Standard Class interior on sets no.301-305
Standard Class interior on sets no.301-305

02Features

The train has a capacity of 312 seats, with 276 standard class seats and 36 business class seats.

Compared to the earlier Class 93, the class features a 14.2% improvement in acceleration and a 24.5% increase in tractive effort. The battery capacity for auxiliary power is 640 A h, double that of the Class 93s. This allows the train's emergency lighting and ventilation system to function for two hours without overhead catenary supply.

The train meets the EN 15227 crashworthiness standard and EN 45545 fire safety standards.

03Design and construction

The exterior livery has a patriotic design with the National Flower Colours inspired by the Flag of Malaysia. The interior also features the national flower of Malaysia, the hibiscus motif on the bulkhead and lower side wall of Coach A. Sets no.301-305 features ocean blue seats whereas sets no.306-310 features black and golden seats.

Just like the earlier KTM Class 93, the KTM Class 94 reportedly sources all its components from China, with the exception of the on-board equipment (such as is the ATP) and the traction system which is sourced from the Chinese subsidiaries of Bombardier and Siemens respectively.

04On-board service

Standard Class: The seats on all trains are arranged in a 2+2 configuration, with each seat featuring a tray table and a power outlet. Cluster seats with fixed tables are available. The seats can be easily converted for wheelchair use if necessary. The train seats can be rotated to face any direction. Each coach is equipped with LCD TV screens for entertainment, and toilets are available in every coach. The train also include changing tables for infants. For Muslim passengers, a prayer room is available on every train. There is also a bistro coach that sells drinks, light snacks, and microwaved meals.

Business Class: The Business class accommodation and service marks a step up from the standard class. In addition to the facilities already enjoyed in standard class, there are additional features otherwise not seen on the standard class. The seats are arranged in a 2+1 configuration and are wider and able to recline up to 45 degrees. Each seat has its own on demand video screen for in-train entertainment. Wi-Fi is complimentary for business class passengers. Each coach has its own steward or stewardess, which the passenger can summon from his seat. On-board dining is included in the fare. Passengers are given their own amenity kit.

Business Class interior on sets no.301-305
Business Class interior on sets no.301-305

05Delivery

The first set was completed on 8 June 2024 and was handed over to the Transport Ministry in a ceremony at the CRRC Zhuzhou factory. The remaining sets are fully delivered on 12 August 2025.

06Launching

The first of 10 Class 94 sets, ETS 301 entered service on 30 August 2025, operating between KL Sentral and Kluang on the ETS Platinum service. As of February 2026, all 10 sets are in service.

07Formation

Each train set is formed as follows, with cars numbered alphabetically (A to F) instead of numerically, and with Car 1 (A) facing south (KL Sentral, Kluang, Johor Bahru Sentral) and Car 6 (F) facing north (KL Sentral, Butterworth, Padang Besar). The first car is equipped with 36 business class seats.

Car No.ABCDEF
Seating capacity 36605442 (+4)6060
Designation McTpMMTpMc
Features ToiletToiletCafeToiletToilet
Set Designation123456StatusLaunch DateAssembled in
Class 94 ETS 301 C9401T9401M9401M9402T9402C9402In Service30 Aug 2025China
Class 94 ETS 302 C9403T9403M9403M9404T9404C9404In ServiceSep 2025China
Class 94 ETS 303 C9405T9405M9405M9406T9406C9406In ServiceNov 2025Malaysia
Class 94 ETS 304 C9407T9407M9407M9408T9408C9408In ServiceDec 2025Malaysia
Class 94 ETS 305 C9409T9409M9409M9410T9410C9410In ServiceJan 2026Malaysia
Class 94 ETS 306 C9411T9411M9411M9412T9412C4312In ServiceFeb 2026Malaysia
Class 94 ETS 307 C9413T9413M9413M9414T9414C9414In ServiceFeb 2026Malaysia
Class 94 ETS 308 C9415T9415M9415M9416T9416C9416In ServiceFeb 2026Malaysia
Class 94 ETS 309 C9417T9417M9417M9418T9418C9418In ServiceFeb 2026Malaysia
Class 94 ETS 310 C9419T9419M9419M9420T9420C9420In ServiceFeb 2026Malaysia

Cars 2 and 5 are equipped with a double-arm Z-shaped pantograph.

Watch videos about KTM Class 94Explainers and documentaries on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Sources and credits

This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article KTM Class 94, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.

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