In response to the on-going Middle East crisis which has resulted in a significant increase in fuel costs, Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport has launched a Rail Use Campaign to help citizens mitigate the increased costs of travel. The focus of the campaign is to encourage greater use of public transport using rail, to reduce the dependence on road transport. While there are some restrictions, not the least of which is last-mile concerns for many, the initiatives are a welcome move to reduce travel costs.
Rail Use Campaign across the rail sectors
The announcement by the Transport Minister covered both commuter and long distance rail services as well as giving a nod to the difficulties associated with the sharp rises in jet fuel affecting air travellers.
Tanah Melayu Railway Services Berhad (KTMB) (Malayan Railways)
The Ministry of Transport of Malaysia together with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) have announced a 30% discount on the purchase of electric train (ETS) tickets for all sectors, as well as the East People’s Express (ERT) train for the JB Sentral – Tumpat – JB Sentral route. This initiative is available for travel between Monday and Thursday, in line with the government’s commitment to encourage more people to choose rail transport as their primary mode of transport. At the same time this will help to reduce travel costs, increase people’s mobility and support the country’s more sustainable and inclusive public transport agenda.
There are some restrictions to this discount offer which is not applicable during school holidays and public holidays which are periods of high demand. To enjoy the offer, travellers must purchase tickets using the promotional code found on the KTMB website by 30th April 2026, for travel period by 14th October 2026.
This discount does not apply to the following ticket categories:
- Business Class tickets for ETS trains;
- Class 1 and Sleeper Class for the Eastern People’s Express (ERT) service; and
- Concession ticket holders.
For more information regarding the terms and conditions of the promotion for this KTMB service and to book your tickets, visit the official website www.ktmb.com.my or KTMB’s official social media channels.
Express Rail Link (ERL) Service
Express Rail Link (ERL), operator of KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit will introduce two targeted initiatives:
- MyPutrajaya Monthly Travel Card specifically for civil servants, especially those working or residing in Putrajaya
- MyKLIA Monthly Travel Card exclusively for the Malaysian community working at KLIA Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Both programs offer unlimited travel on KLIA Transit throughout the promotional period and users will enjoy discounts of up to 90% compared to regular rates, depending on the travel sector.
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (MyRapid)
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) is working with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia to ensure the continuation of the My50 Unlimited Travel Monthly Pass in the Klang Valley. If you’re in Penang, use the same link to buy the Penang version, Pas Mutiara. The My50 Pass is offered at a price of RM50, a 67% discount from the total value of RM150. The card can be used for unlimited use for 30 days on all Prasarana-operated rail and bus services.
With adoption of the My50 Pass currently at 40% of users, it’s hoped that more Malaysians in the Klang Valley will take advantage of this pass, which offers benefit to both daily and occasional users as it can be used across the network. This is especially helpful to those living or working the greatest distance from their destination
In addition to My50, Prasarana also offers other passes such as Rapid Kota and Rapid Keluarga, which is specifically for Malaysian citizens, to expand access and flexibility for occasional or infrequent public transport users.
- Rapid Kota Pass is priced at RM10 for a 1-day pass and RM25 for a 3-day pass for unlimited travel, suitable for non-regular users.
- Rapid Keluarga Pass is priced at RM30 offering unlimited group travel for one day for up to four people, only for Malaysian citizens, for use on weekends and public holidays.
Aviation Sector
The implications of the current geopolitical crisis, which has triggered the sudden cancellation of international flights, especially those involving airlines from the Middle East region are also noted. A critical level was reached on 1st March 2026 when approximately 75% of the daily flight schedule to the region had to be cancelled. If this situation continues, it may reduce the confidence of foreign tourists and result in a total economic output loss of between RM15 billion and RM150 billion throughout 2026. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on-going, the Ministry of Transport has held several engagement sessions with stakeholders, and will implement two initiatives to help alleviate the financial pressure faced by airlines and maintain the sustainability of the aviation industry operations, an extension of the credit period for payment of fees and charges up to 60 days, effective 1 May 2026 will be granted. This is an initiative by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
Travellers between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan will benefit from the provision of a RM50 flight ticket rebate to Malaysian citizens for these routes. CAAM will allocate RM5 million to cover the cost of the rebate for travel during the Gawai and Keamatan Festival Season. This rebate should benefit around 100 thousand passengers who purchase flight tickets for these routes during the rebate period, from 15th May 2026 to 14th June 2026.
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