Bullish outlook: Loh is hoping business will pick up for taxi drivers with the new train service.
GEORGE TOWN: Having survived the impact of the pandemic, traders and taxi drivers at the Penang Sentral transport hub are now looking forward to better days with the revival of the Butterworth-Bangkok direct train service.
Iqbal Mokhtar, 34, a snack shop operator at the KTM railway station in Butterworth, said on weekdays there are usually 300 tourists arriving from Thailand.
He expects the number to multiply when the direct train service starts operation.
“We get many Thais coming for holidays in Penang, with many locals also taking various train services to the northern border.
“It is evident that locals from both countries enjoy visiting each other’s country, so any new form of connectivity will further boost businesses along the way.
“I believe many first timers as well as tourists from other countries will opt to use the train service as it is convenient with stops along the way,” he said.
Next to the railway station, taxi drivers are hoping that the direct train service will put an end to the “drought” in their business.
“We need new ways to bring in tourists and this railway service will surely benefit us as we operate near the railway station.
“There will also be train travellers wanting to go to the airport,” said taxi driver Loh Ah San, 70.
He is hoping business will pick up for taxi drivers with the new train service as most of them are averaging one trip daily at present.
Ong Suok Huon, 41, a tailor who operates at the Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal near the railway station, said one of her plans is to offer quality and quick services to tourists who need to mend their clothes.
“Minor jobs such as shortening pants or replacing buttons can be completed within a short period of time. These are some of the problems often faced by tourists who do not have much time to wait around,” she said.
Over at the Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal in George Town, 36-year-old snacks trader Nurul Asilah Mansor is prepared to stock up on more local delicacies to welcome the Thais.
“Just as our locals enjoy visiting Thailand for their array of local snacks and street food, I believe the Thais will find our local treats just as appealing.
“The reintroduction of the Bangkok-Butterworth line will not only bring in more Thai tourists, but many locals will also travel there.
“Hence, we should not miss out on the opportunity to promote our local products,” she said.
Checks at the KTM railway station in Butterworth found no signage or notices about the upcoming Butterworth-Bangkok service, but staff are preparing for it.
“We heard that when the line was in operation previously, it brought a lot of tourists to both countries.
“I am excited to hear about the resumption of the service as it will foster closer ties between both countries and promote cultural exchange.
“With the aid of technology for translation available and electronic kiosks for ticket purchases, communication should be brisk,” a staff at the station said.
Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to revive the Butterworth-Bangkok direct train service, according to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
SRT Governor’s Office chief Ekkarat Sriarayanphong was reported as saying that the plan was agreed upon in principle during the 42nd Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd-SRT Joint Conference held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, recently.
SRT had previously cancelled its daily express service between Bangkok and Butterworth in 2016, limiting operations to Padang Besar at the Malaysia-Thailand border.
Following the recent meeting, he said a joint working group would be established to consider opening the extended train route from Bangkok Central Station to Padang Besar and continuing to Butterworth station.
Ekkarat said the revival of the train service was part of a plan to expand cooperation in providing rail services connecting Thailand and Malaysia, facilitating public travel and seamless cross-border goods transportation.
