Malaysia Steam Locomotive Train Experience

Train fans will be pleased to know that a traditional Malaysia steam locomotive train experience will soon be available in 2024 at selected destinations in Malaysia.

This news is a bonus in building up to Visit Malaysia Year 2025, as local train operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) has joined forces with a local company called Great Leisure Sdn Bhd.

Malaysia Steam Locomotive Train Experience

A news publication reported in early May 2023 that the KTMB Steam Locomotive Train experience would begin operating as early as January 2024.

The concept will feature a classic passenger train hauled by a traditional steam locomotive and a conventional interior that will win over train tourism fans worldwide.

The Tourism Heritage Steam Locomotive Train project is a unique collaboration between KTMB and Great Leisure Sdn Bhd. It aims to attract domestic and international tourists to enjoy the natural beauty along the railway line.

A Class 56 steam locomotive was observed in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth will be the initial destinations for the steam train service, with additional destinations to follow.

The follow-up routes will allow passengers to enjoy the beauty of notable tourist attractions along the railway line, especially the forest route from Gemas, Negeri Sembilan, to Tumpat, Kelantan.

Great Leisure’s MD has also mentioned that the interior decoration of the passenger coaches makes full use of crafts produced by local talent, which is currently about 70 per cent complete.

He also mentioned that passenger seats will feature a design concept inspired by legendary Malaysian actors and singers P. Ramlee and Saloma.

The Class O 4-6-2 Steam Locomotive. Image from Steam in West Malaysia.

Passengers can use the service as a mode of transportation to tourist destinations and the train as a venue to hold any event, including weddings. Regarding the KTMB steam locomotive, there was no mention, but if I had to guess, it could be the KTMB Class O 4-6-2, which was highly popular and known as the O Class.

It won’t be the American-built USATC 2-8-2 trains, as those are defunct and likely scrap metal by now. Again, I feel it’s the O Class 564 series, one of which has been in storage. For more information, please visit Malaysia steam trains and engines from the past; there is much to learn for train enthusiasts.

One of the old Malaysian train maps.

Conclusion

As of May 2023, no official photos or news have been released, but once they are, I will update this article. You can also check KTMB for additional information on trains. Therefore, train fans in Malaysia and around the world, you can soon get on the Malaysia steam locomotive train experience and explore Malaysia.