SEGAMAT, MALAYSIA - An express train from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, carrying 243 passengers, derailed in Batu Anam near here, injuring 17 passengers including three Singaporeans.

Segamat OCPD Supt Abdul Majid said five of the passengers suffered severe injuries including fractured shoulders during the 11.45am incident that occurred about 200m from the Batu Anam Railway Station yesterday.

'All the seriously injured were men, including the three Singaporeans. They have been sent to Segamat Hospital for treatment,' he said.

He said that the remaining injured passengers were given emergency treatment at the railway station with the assistance of the Civil Defence Department personnel.

Supt Abdul Majid said six of the nine coaches of the Sinaran Pagi Express train had derailed in the incident.

'Two of the coaches were the cafeteria and the one carrying the electric generator for the train,' he said.

Meanwhile, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), in a statement, said four buses were provided to ferry the stranded passengers to their destinations.

It said works to remove the derailed coaches and to repair the track were underway and was expected to be completed within 24 hours.

However, it said, KTMB's operations would not be affected and all trains to the southern region could operate as usual.

Those who needed further information are advised to contact KTMB at 03-22671200.