KTMB LAUNCHES 'KTM KOMUTER X BICHI MAO' KOMLINK CARD, ‘KOM-MAO-TER’ CHALLENGE

IPOH, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- In a bid to make train services more appealing to youths, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) today launched a special edition Komuter Link (KOMLINK) card, ‘KTM Komuter x Bichi Mao’, and the ‘Kom-Mao-Ter Challenge’ interactive campaign.

KTMB chief technical officer and acting group chief executive officer Ir Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin said the collaboration between KTMB and local animation brand Bichi Mao aims to make train journeys more enjoyable, interactive, and family-friendly.

“The launch of this special KOMLINK edition is part of KTMB’s efforts to engage with all generations, particularly fans of local cat-themed animation. We want to make train rides a fun experience that can be shared with friends and family.

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“This initiative is in line with KTMB’s aspiration to make trains not just a mode of daily transport but a part of modern lifestyle,” he said after the launch at KTM Ipoh station here today.

Also present were Tourism Perak Management Berhad chairman Datuk Mohd Kamil Shafie and chief executive officer Zuraida Md Taib.

Ahmad Nizam said KTMB has also introduced a Bichi Mao-themed train on its northern route, featuring a special train wrap with colourful graphics and family-friendly designs.

“The KTM Komuter Utara service, introduced in 2015 with only about 500 passengers a day, now serves more than 24,000 passengers daily.

“As of the end of October 2025, the service has carried 40.5 million passengers in the northern region. The increase shows that trains have become a key public transport choice not only for daily commuters but also for students, families, and domestic tourists exploring northern destinations,” he said.

The campaign is one of KTMB’s early initiatives to support Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) by promoting domestic and international tourism through comfortable and efficient train services.

In conjunction with the launch, KTMB is also introducing the ‘Kom-Mao-Ter Challenge’, which runs from today until Jan 31, 2026.

He said that to participate, passengers must purchase the special edition KTM Komuter x Bichi Mao KOMLINK card, priced at RM30.30, and travel to eight selected stations to collect exclusive stamps in the Kom-Mao-Ter Challenge passport. These stamps can then be redeemed for a limited-edition Kom-Mao-Ter plushie, available in a blind box.

“I hope this collaboration will boost domestic tourism growth while positioning KTM Komuter Utara as a relaxing and family-friendly travel option,” he said.

The initiative is also supported by Tourism Perak and the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) through joint promotions encouraging travel on the Perak Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus, which allows visitors to explore popular attractions around Taiping.

-- BERNAMA