KTM Class 94

A tender was called by Ministry of Transport in May 2020 for 10 six-car intercity EMUs, with three manufacturers putting up bids for the project.^[5]

CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive, which had manufactured the earlier Class 93, was awarded the tender for the new trains. As part of the conditions, 2 sets would be manufactured at CRRC Zhuzhou's factory in China while the remaining 8 sets would be manufactured in CRRC's factory in Batu Gajah, Malaysia.^[6]

The train has a capacity of 312 seats, with 276 standard class seats and 36 business class seats.^[3]

Compared to the earlier Class 93, the class features a 14.2% improvement in acceleration and a 24.5% increase in tractive effort.^[1] The battery capacity for auxiliary power is 640 A h, double that of the Class 93s. This allows the train's emergency lighting and ventilation system to function for two hours without overhead catenary supply.^[3]

The train meets the EN 15227 crashworthiness standard and EN 45545 fire safety standards.^[1]

The exterior livery has a patriotic design with the National Flower Colours inspired by the Flag of Malaysia. The interior also features the national flower of Malaysia, the hibiscus motif on the bulkhead and lower side wall of Coach A. Sets no.301-305 features ocean blue seats whereas sets no.306-310 features black and golden seats.

Just like the earlier KTM Class 93, the KTM Class 94 reportedly sources all its components from China, with the exception of the on-board equipment (such as is the ATP) and the traction system which is sourced from the Chinese subsidiaries of Bombardier^[7] and Siemens respectively.

Standard Class: The seats on all trains are arranged in a 2+2 configuration, with each seat featuring a tray table and a power outlet. Cluster seats with fixed tables are available. The seats can be easily converted for wheelchair use if necessary. The train seats can be rotated to face any direction. Each coach is equipped with LCD TV screens for entertainment, and toilets are available in every coach. The train also include changing tables for infants. For Muslim passengers, a prayer room is available on every train. There is also a bistro coach that sells drinks, light snacks, and microwaved meals.

Business Class: The Business class accommodation and service marks a step up from the standard class. In addition to the facilities already enjoyed in standard class, there are additional features otherwise not seen on the standard class. The seats are arranged in a 2+1 configuration and are wider and able to recline up to 45 degrees. Each seat has its own on demand video screen for in-train entertainment. Wi-Fi is complimentary for business class passengers. Each coach has its own steward or stewardess, which the passenger can summon from his seat. On-board dining is included in the fare. Passengers are given their own amenity kit.

The first set was completed on 8 June 2024 and was handed over to the Transport Ministry in a ceremony at the CRRC Zhuzhou factory. The remaining sets are fully delivered on 12 August 2025.^[4]

The first of 10 Class 94 sets, ETS 301 entered service on 30 August 2025, operating between KL Sentral and Kluang on the ETS Platinum service.^[8] As of February 2026, all 10 sets are in service.

Each train set is formed as follows, with cars numbered alphabetically (A to F) instead of numerically, and with Car 1 (A) facing south (KL Sentral, Kluang, Johor Bahru Sentral) and Car 6 (F) facing north (KL Sentral, Butterworth, Padang Besar). The first car is equipped with 36 business class seats.

Cars 2 and 5 are equipped with a double-arm Z-shaped pantograph.