Malaysia rolls out special public transport services for Thaipusam 2026 and festive travel surge

Up to 2.5mn visitors heading to Batu Caves during Thaipusam 2026 can expect extended train hours, free fares, and additional services, as the Transport Ministry steps up preparations for the country’s peak festive travel period.

As millions prepare to travel for Thaipusam next week, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) Malaysia has announced a series of special public transport measures aimed at easing congestion and improving travel safety and comfort, particularly around Batu Caves.

The measures, announced on 20 January 2026, are expected to support the movement of up to 2.5mn visitors during one of the country’s largest religious celebrations.

24-hour KTM Komuter services to Batu Caves

A key highlight of the plan is the round-the-clock operation of KTM Komuter services to Batu Caves. From Friday, 30 January to Monday, 2 February 2026, KTM Komuter trains will run 24 hours a day for four days and three nights.

During this period, a total of 609 train trips will be deployed, representing a 23% increase compared to last year. The expanded service is expected to accommodate up to 700,000 passengers.

A total of 28 KTM Komuter stations will also operate continuously, with additional staff stationed to assist elderly commuters, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and families with young children. Commuters are encouraged to use LRT and MRT networks to connect to KTM Komuter services, in a bid to reduce congestion on surrounding roads.

Additional ETS services across key routes

To support longer-distance travel, MOT has also introduced eight additional Electric Train Service (ETS) trips across major routes, including JB Sentral to Butterworth, JB Sentral to KL Sentral, KL Sentral to Ipoh and KL Sentral to Butterworth.

These services will operate from 29 January to 3 February 2026, with 10,080 additional tickets made available. Ticket sales are scheduled to open on 26 January 2026 (Monday).

Free shuttle buses and ferry services nationwide

In Kuala Lumpur, 30 Rapid KL shuttle buses will operate free of charge, connecting Batu Caves with Pasar Seni City Hub, Gombak LRT and Kampung Batu MRT stations. Buses will run every 10 minutes from 6am to midnight on 31 January, before shifting to 24-hour operations on 1 February 2026.

Meanwhile in Penang, Rapid Penang will provide free shuttle bus services from the ferry pier to Adventist, alongside complimentary ferry services from 31 January to 2 February 2026. Ferry operations will also be extended until 3am on 2 February.

In addition, BAS.MY bus service will operate free of charge in Johor Bahru, Seremban, Ipoh, Kota Setar and Sungai Petani. A total of 169 buses will be deployed to support travel to major temples across these locations.

Free KTM Komuter fares in Klang Valley

As part of the special initiative, KTM Komuter fares across the Klang Valley will be waived on 31 January and 1 February 2026. Free travel will apply from 12 midnight to 11.59pm on both days and is expected to benefit up to 450,000 passengers.

Safety, medical support and cashless travel

To manage crowd safety and operations, MOT has strengthened on-ground support in collaboration with related agencies. Auxiliary Police officers, technical personnel and medical teams from Selayang Hospital and St John Ambulance will be stationed at Batu Caves, particularly at the KTM Komuter station.

All transactions across the transport network will be cashless, using platforms such as the KITS Style application, Link Commuter Card, Touch ’N Go, debit and credit cards, as well as kiosks and ticket counters. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities will receive a 50% fare discount, while children under three years old and MyRailLife users can travel free of charge.

Extended services for Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Beyond Thaipusam, MOT confirmed that similar transport measures will be rolled out for Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri in the first quarter of 2026, in response to strong travel demand.

For Chinese New Year, additional ETS services will run from Friday, 13 to Sunday, 22 February 2026, covering routes from KL Sentral to Butterworth, Ipoh, and Padang Besar, as well as JB Sentral to KL Sentral. A total of 26,460 tickets will be added, bringing daily ETS operations to a maximum of 52 trips.

For Hari Raya Aidilfitri, KTMB will introduce additional ETS services from Friday, 13 to Sunday, 29 March 2026 across the JB Sentral, KL Sentral, Ipoh, Butterworth and Padang Besar routes. An additional 36,540 tickets will be offered, with daily ETS trips also capped at 52.

With large crowds expected throughout the festive season, MOT said these coordinated efforts are intended to ensure smoother movement and support public’s wellbeing during peak travel periods.

Lead image / Ministry of Transport Malaysia

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