The east coast’s last railway station
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THE sky is still dark in Tumpat, with light coming only from street lamps, but at the last railway station in the east coast, people are waiting for the 4.10am shuttle train.
Some of them travel to as far as Kuala Lipis in Pahang, and only a few disembark at any of the 10 stations between the two main stations.
Among the regular commuters are some 100 students of SMK Dabong who live in Kg Slow Pak Long, Kuala Geris, Slow Temiang, as well as the surrounding areas in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. Some of their teachers take the train, too.
About 6.30am, teenagers in school uniforms enter the three coaches pulled by a diesel locomotive. The chilly temperature in the train is warmed up by laughter and chatter as the children discuss their homework. Some students stand next to the doors, taking in the passing scenery as the train travels along Sg Galas and green areas.
Less than an hour later, they disembark at the Dabong station, located 200m from their school.
At 3pm, the students take the same train back to Tumpat, their home. – October 28, 2018.
