When people talk about high-speed trains in Asia, they usually mention Japan’s Shinkansen, China’s bullet trains, or even the futuristic maglevs. But what about Malaysia? Not many people seem to be talking about the country’s fastest train—the ETS Platinum. This sleek electric train zips across the country, connecting Kuala Lumpur with major cities at impressive speeds.
I recently got the chance to ride in business class on this flagship express train, and I have to say—it was quite the experience. From exclusive lounges at the station to onboard meal service and comfortable seating, this journey had a lot to offer. So, let’s dive into what it’s really like to travel on the world’s fastest meter-gauge train.
The Journey Begins at KL Sentral
My trip started at KL Sentral, Malaysia’s largest and busiest railway hub. This station, which opened in 2001, is a massive transportation center, connecting all Kuala Lumpur’s Rapid Transit such as KTM Komuter trains, metro lines, monorails, and even the airport shuttle. It’s a modern and spacious station with a huge food court, plenty of seating, and even a KTM railway merchandise store—because who doesn’t love train-themed souvenirs?
But here’s where things got a little messy.
I was traveling business class, which meant I had access to the KTM Ruby Lounge—a nice little waiting area with comfy seats, air conditioning, and free drinks like tea, coffee, and Milo. Sounds great, right? Except for one small problem—the TV in the lounge was blaring at full volume, making it impossible to truly relax.
Then came boarding time, and things got even more confusing. Instead of a smooth and organized process, passengers were herded into a crowded waiting area with barely any seating. And after standing around for a while, we were sent back out into the concourse before finally being led to the train by a staff member with a stick. Not exactly the smoothest system, but hey—we made it!
All Aboard the ETS Platinum
Once I finally got on the train, things immediately improved. The ETS Platinum is operated with the KTM Class 932, a sleek electric train built in China between 2019 and 2020. Business class is located in Coach A, at the rear of the train, featuring a 2+1 seating layout with all seats facing forward.
I had seat 1C, a window seat at the back of the carriage. The first part of the journey was a slow ride out of Kuala Lumpur, but soon enough, the train picked up speed. In total, the trip to Butterworth would take 4 hours and 15 minutes, covering 380 km (236 miles)—not bad for a meter-gauge railway!
Comfort & Features
Let’s talk about the seats. The design looked great—black with red highlights—and they were well-padded and spacious. There was plenty of legroom, a footrest, and a reclining function that made the ride extra comfortable. However, I wasn’t a fan of the leather head cushion—too hard and bulky for my liking.
Each seat also had:
- A foldable tray table
- A coat hook
- A small storage net
- A power outlet (three-pin style, plus some USB ports)
- An entertainment screen
Another big plus? The smooth ride. Meter-gauge railways are often associated with rougher rides, but the ETS Platinum was surprisingly stable and comfortable the entire way.
Dining at 145 km/h
About two hours into the journey, it was time for lunch. Business class passengers get a complimentary meal, which included:
- Main course – either chicken lasagna or cheese sandwiches (by request)
- Apple juice carton
- A small pack of peanuts
- Earphones
Not long after, a second meal arrived—yes, two lunches! This one was a rice dish with sweet potatoes, served with jasmine tea. A little unexpected, but hey—I’m not complaining!
If you’re still hungry, the train also has an ETS Café in one of the middle carriages, selling local snacks, meals, and drinks at reasonable prices.
Exploring the Train
Apart from business class, the standard class carriages have a similar design but in a 2+2 seating layout with slightly less legroom. To be honest, I actually preferred these seats—they were softer and didn’t have the restrictive fixed armrests.
Other facilities on the train include:
- Toilets – Clean and well-maintained, though there were only three for the whole train, which sometimes led to queues.
- Prayer room – A small space for religious passengers.
- Luggage storage – Overhead racks and dedicated luggage areas for bigger bags.
Onboard Entertainment & WiFi
Remember those earphones from earlier? Well, they were for the built-in entertainment screens in business class. These touchscreens let you watch movies, check train info, and even order food to your seat.
But the best part? Free WiFi. And not just any WiFi—it was fast enough to stream YouTube. So yes, you could literally watch train videos while riding a train. Meta, right?
Final Stretch & Arrival in Butterworth
As we got closer to Butterworth, the weather took a turn for the worse, with heavy rain hitting the train windows. The last station we passed was Sungai Petani, before we took the branch line towards our final destination.
Butterworth serves as the rail hub for Penang Island, with easy connections via ferry or road bridge to George Town. We arrived right on schedule at 15:23, wrapping up a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
Was It Worth It?
So, how much did this trip cost?
- Business Class Ticket: 143 MYR (~$30 USD)
- Standard Class Ticket: About half that price
For what you get—lounge access, comfy seats, two meals, and free WiFi—I’d say business class is a great deal. But even standard class is a solid option for budget travelers.
Despite the chaotic boarding process at KL Sentral, the ETS Platinum delivered a comfortable, fast, and well-priced experience. It might not be as famous as Japan’s bullet trains, but for a meter-gauge railway, it’s seriously impressive.