We're ready for meatier railway projects

While completing a section of Taiwan’s Kaohsiung MRT line, Gamuda partnered with MMC to build the northern portion of KTMB’s electrified double track project from Ipoh to Padang Besar. Seen here is a northbound electric service train that just exited the Berapit twin tunnels near Kuala Kangsar, Perak. Photos: Gamuda

In 1882, work commenced on Malaya’s first railway track, a 16km stretch connecting Taiping and Port Weld (now Kuala Sepetang), Perak. This railway opened in 1885 to allow the British to move tin and other commodities to Port Weld for export, and was built using foreign labour supervised by British engineers.

Change picked up pace in the post-Merdeka era, with the country gradually acquiring skills in civil and structural engineering that allowed it to build roads, bridges, viaducts, and tunnels. Landmark developments in this era include the formation of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia in 1959.