ONE of the core tenets of public transportation is reliability; without it, the daily commute becomes a gamble. While most passengers have experienced a late train or bus, finding a station locked during operating hours is a far rarer occurrence.
So, did stranded early-morning commuters at the Anak Bukit train station in Alor Setar resort to climbing locked gates after staff failed to open the premises on time?
VERDICT:
TRUE
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) confirmed that the primary entrance of the Anak Bukit station was not opened at its scheduled operating time of 5.30am on Friday (Sept 25).
KTMB stated that the staff member assigned to open the station was unable to report for duty on time due to health issues, reported Sinar Harian.
When officials were notified at around 5.55am that the gates were still locked, they attempted to reach the staff member but received no response.
A counter clerk from a nearby station scheduled for a 7.00am shift was redirected to Anak Bukit, arriving at 6.30am to unlock the gates.
In a viral video circulating on social media, several frustrated passengers were seen scaling the station's perimeter fence in an attempt to catch their scheduled trains.
KTMB estimated that roughly 25 passengers were affected and missed two commuter services — Train 2901 (5.58am) and Train 2903 (6.18am).
The rail operator issued a formal apology to affected commuters, emphasizing that station access must align strictly with scheduled operating hours. KTMB added that an internal investigation is underway and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken according to procedure.
