Rantau panjang: 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a recent 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 mentioned that 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.

Mohamad Naziz expressed hope 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. He noted that the service was discontinued without explanation, but its resumption could significantly help boost the economy of residents in the border area.

He added that 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. During that time, Rantau Panjang attracted large numbers of visitors, and local economic activity was more vibrant.

Sukri expressed full support for the government's plans, including the reconstruction of the railway station in Rantau Panjang, as it would further boost the local economy. He noted that as a motorcycle taxi operator, an increase in visitors would mean more customers and income for local residents.

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. Loke mentioned that 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.