KTMB records a 10% rise in cargo revenue to RM96 million in the first 9 months of 2026

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KTMB records a rise in cargo revenue

Highlights

KTMB recorded cargo revenue of RM96 million in the first nine months of 2026, up 10% from the same period last year.
Cargo volumes rose 16% to 1.3 million tonnes and container movements increased 6% to 173,844 TEU during the period.
KTMB launched its Rolling Stock Strategy to refurbish and add critical assets, gradually ensuring optimal capacity for cargo operations.

This article was translated from the original. Read the original version by our correspondent here.

Cargo growth and asset-strengthening plans

As reported by The Edge Malaysia, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd recorded cargo revenue of RM96 million in the first nine months of 2026, up 10% from the same period last year. The railway operator said the performance reflected growing demand for rail freight services, with cargo volumes rising 16% to 1.3 million tonnes and container movements increasing 6% to 173,844 twenty-foot equivalent units.

KTMB said the achievement underscored the continued importance of rail transport in supporting Malaysia's industrial and logistics sectors. The company also highlighted the need to strengthen its operational capabilities to accommodate future growth.

As part of its long-term strategy, KTMB is advancing its Rolling Stock Strategy, or RSS, as a strategic initiative to complement its ageing existing fleet, maximise asset availability and maintain reliable cargo operations. According to KTMB, the initiative will also support the gradual strengthening of cargo capacity in line with future business growth and the national agenda of shifting transport from road to rail.

Implications for the national logistics network

KTMB said much of the company's rolling stock has been in service for a long time, making RSS an important framework for gradually strengthening fleet capabilities through the targeted refurbishment, replacement and upgrading of critical assets. The initiative is designed to optimise the use of existing rolling stock while complementing it with enhanced fleet capabilities, enabling cargo operations to maintain optimal capacity and provide consistent service to customers.

According to the company, improving asset readiness and operational flexibility will support more effective fleet deployment, enhance service consistency and enable KTMB to respond more efficiently to the evolving needs of manufacturers, exporters, port operators and logistics providers. Over the longer term, RSS is expected to help maintain continuity in cargo services while gradually expanding capacity to meet future industry demand.

KTMB added that the initiative strengthens its commitment to supporting Malaysia's economic development by reinforcing rail freight as a reliable, competitive and sustainable component of the national logistics network. Through RSS, the company also aims to improve operational readiness to support related services and capitalise on growing demand for regional rail freight.

Sarawak's Trans-Borneo Railway project was previously reported by us as a mega rail initiative that had undergone a feasibility study, with its main alignment spanning population centres, industrial zones and major ports across the state. The study also supports cross-border connectivity to Brunei and potential links to Kalimantan, while proposing a phased implementation as the federal government assesses financing, governance and land requirements.

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