Commuter train services between Singapore and Malaysia will be suspended indefinitely from May 5 because of falling passenger volume sparked by the Sars health scare, the operator said today.

KTM Berhad said the suspension involves the main weekday services between Singapore and the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. Weekend trips will continue.

"The cancellation is due to the significant decline in passenger demand to Singapore following the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars)," the company said in a statement.

Secondary train services which normally leave at night and take a more circuitous route will continue.

KTM urged passengers affected by the cancellation to exchange their tickets and make new travel arrangements. Those who cancel their trips will be refunded.

Singapore is among the worst hit by the pneumonia-like virus, with 17 deaths out of 192 infections. There are two Sars-related death in Malaysia. AFP