KUALA KRAI: The morning service of the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) arrived at Kuala Gris railway station yesterday, enveloped in pre-dawn mist and darkness.
It earned its spectral name of the “Ghost Train” due to its sudden appearance out from the thick fog, offering a fleeting glimpse before disappearing down the tracks.
In the chilly, misty air, students hailing from the interior gathered in small clusters yesterday, bags in hand to travel to their school, SMK Dabong.
They chatted quietly as they awaited their ride, the tranquil dawn marking a familiar start to their daily journey.
The KTMB service is an essential lifeline that has transformed their commute from remote areas, such as Kuala Gris, Bukit Abu and Ulu Temiang, making it organised, safe and reliable.
It also provides crucial financial relief for families by providing a complimentary annual train pass.
Previously, many parents faced the burden of ferrying their children by motorcycle or seeking lifts from neighbours, having to bear fuel costs, weather hazards and long travel times.
For Form One student Nur Adriana Amani Mohd Zulkifli, 13, the train journey to school enriches her daily routine.
“It’s my first time, and it’s very enjoyable. It really helps me and also helps my family save on costs and time. I feel safe on the train,” she told reporters during the KTMB Santuni Pelajar Wilayah Pantai Timur programme yesterday, held in conjunction with the opening of the 2026 school term, Bernama reported.
Another student, Muhammad Mifzal Azfar Abdul Hafiz, 16, said that although he must wake up earlier than before, the morning train journey offers a pleasant experience.
“I have to catch the 6.15am train. But it’s enjoyable; the early morning atmosphere on the train is different,” said the student, who has used the service since he began Form One.
Relieved parents watched from the platform while KTMB staff assisted students onto the train.
Some took photos, while others waved to their children until the train departed from the station.
In areas such as Kuala Gris and Dabong, the train is more than a mere method of transport; it is a vital lifeline that connects these village children with the world of education.
