Malaysia’s Ghost Train gives rural students a safer school commute
Every morning before dawn, students from remote villages like Kuala Gris and Dabong gather at the railway station. They board the Ghost Train—a Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) service that cuts through thick fog, offering them a lifeline to education. For families in these isolated areas, the train is more than transport; it’s a reliable and safe way to reach school.
The journey begins in the dark, with students arriving at Kuala Gris Railway Station while mist still clings to the tracks. The train’s nickname, Ghost Train, comes from its sudden appearance through the fog, a familiar sight for regular commuters. Once aboard, students like 13-year-old Nur Adriana Amani Mohd Zulkifli settle in for the ride, appreciating the safety and comfort it provides.
Before this service, students relied on motorcycles or lifts from neighbours, facing long travel times, bad weather, and high fuel costs. Now, the KTMB train offers a structured, dependable alternative. Parents often linger at the station, taking photos or waving as their children depart, relieved to see them off on a secure journey. The service also eases financial burdens by providing a free annual pass. Muhammad Mifzal Azfar Abdul Hafiz, another student, enjoys the early morning trips despite waking up sooner. For him, the quiet pre-dawn atmosphere makes the journey pleasant. The train connects remote villages—Kuala Gris, Bukit Abu, and Ulu Temiang—to schools, ensuring students arrive on time without the old struggles. KTMB’s leadership has seen recent changes, with Datuk Azlan Shah Al Bakri taking over as CEO on January 12, 2026. While the company has not specified which executive oversees student transport, the service continues to run smoothly, proving essential for rural communities.
The Ghost Train has transformed daily life for students in remote areas, replacing unreliable travel with a punctual, cost-free option. Families save money and time, while students gain a safer, more comfortable route to education. For these communities, the service remains a critical link to opportunity.
Read also:
- Executive from significant German automobile corporation advocates for a truthful assessment of transition toward electric vehicles
- Crisis in a neighboring nation: immediate cheese withdrawal at Rewe & Co, resulting in two fatalities.
- United Kingdom Christians Voice Opposition to Assisted Dying Legislation
- Democrats are subtly dismantling the Affordable Care Act. Here's the breakdown
