Budget 2027: Residents Want Gov't To Resume Rantau Panjang Train Services

By Adnan Mohamad

PASIR MAS, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- The resumption of train services from Rantau Panjang to Sungai Golok, Thailand, is among the local residents’ ‘wishlist’ items ahead of the tabling of Budget 2027 on Oct 9, which they believe could revive the town’s economy.

A recent Bernama check found that residents hoped the government would consider allocating funds for the reconstruction of the station, besides continuing efforts to reactivate the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok railway line, which was once an important link for residents and cross-border trade activities.

Rantau Panjang resident Mohamad Naziz Abdul Zaman, 48, said the cessation of train services in the area had previously surprised many residents, as Rantau Panjang had once been a popular destination, with passenger and cargo trains regularly crossing the border.

He said the Rantau Panjang railway station, which had been out of operation for a long time, was now overgrown with weeds and bushes, while its building had also suffered damage due to vandalism.

“I think the station had just been refurbished around 2019, but when the service was discontinued, it was really surprising. We used to see passenger and cargo trains crossing the border regularly. As far as I know, apart from cargo coaches, there were also passenger coaches,” he told Bernama.

Mohamad Naziz hoped that the construction of a new railway station in Rantau Panjang could be given due consideration under Budget 2027, which would not only facilitate the movement of Malaysians and Thais but also potentially boost trade and tourism activities in the border area.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Abdul Fatah, 75, who has lived in Rantau Panjang town for 40 years, said residents would certainly be delighted if train services between Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok were resumed.

“There used to be a service from Sungai Golok to Rantau Panjang, but it was discontinued, and we did not know why. When I heard that the train service between these two border areas might be resumed, I was very happy because it would certainly help boost the economy of residents in the border area,” he said.

He said the reopening of the railway station and the route was also expected to benefit the younger generation and local traders who depended on visitors from Malaysia and Thailand.

For Sukri Zakaria, 54, the government’s efforts to redevelop the railway station in Rantau Panjang were most welcome as they could potentially revive the atmosphere of the town as it was in the 1990s.

He said that at that time, Rantau Panjang attracted large numbers of visitors and local economic activity was more vibrant than it is now.

“I fully support the government, including the reconstruction of the railway station in Rantau Panjang, as it would further boost the local economy.

“We want Rantau Panjang town to come alive again as it was in the 1990s, when many people came to visit. As a motorcycle taxi operator, I would certainly have more customers, which would also mean more income for local residents,” he said.

In January, Transport Minister Anthony Loke was reported to have said that Malaysia was ready to revive the train service connection from Rantau Panjang to Sungai Golok, Thailand, to strengthen bilateral transport and economic ties between the two countries.

According to Loke, the move included reconnecting the Rantau Panjang Corridor through the rail route between Pasir Mas and Rantau Panjang, involving track rehabilitation works to enable Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad services to operate up to the border area.

-- BERNAMA