Riding the rails

Previously, he would take a three-hour-long bus ride, which was often delayed due to traffic jams. The shorter, more reliable rail journey allows him to return home to Kuala Kedah on Fridays to spend weekends with his family, before repeating the journey on Monday mornings.

Likewise, many Malaysians have benefited from the 2015 launch of the Northern Shuttle service, which serves the more rural northern Malaysian states of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak.

KTM, Malaysia's national rail operator, provides both intercity and local train services across Peninsular Malaysia. The Northern Shuttle is just one of the various rail arteries operated by KTM.

In fact, infrastructure and public connectivity are set to improve under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-30), which was announced in July.

Developments — such as the upcoming East Coast Rail Link, Johor Bahru — Singapore Rapid Transit System Link and Mutiara line — that will enhance the transport grid, boost economic growth and regional mobility are also on track.