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THE morning KTMB train at Kuala Gris Station, affectionately dubbed the “Ghost Train” by locals, was bustling with students from remote communities this morning as they commenced the first day of the 2026 school session at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dabong.
The train has long been shrouded in local legend, earning its nickname for the way it mysteriously emerges through dense morning fog before vanishing along the tracks.
For students, however, the Ghost Train is far from a curiosity; it has become a vital and eagerly anticipated mode of transport, departing as early as 6.15 a.m. each day for a journey lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Previously, many parents relied on motorcycles or neighbourly lifts to convey their children to school, a routine that involved fuel costs, exposure to the elements, and lengthy travel times.
The introduction of a one-year free student pass in 2023 has significantly eased this burden, enabling families to save on daily expenses while allowing students to cultivate independence.
Thirteen-year-old Nur Adriana Amani Mohd Zulkifli, a Form One student, described her first train journey to secondary school as a liberating experience.
“It was easier, and it saved both time and money. I also learned to manage my schedule and travel independently while feeling safe on the train,” Berita Harian quoted her saying during the KTMB Santuni Pelajar Wilayah Pantai Timur programme at Dabong Station, which coincided with the school year opening.
Sixteen-year-old Muhammad Mifzal Azfar Abdul Hafiz, who has relied on the service since Form One, said that despite the early start, his daily commute is an enjoyable ritual.
“I use the journey to calm my mind, enjoy the morning scenery from the train window, and prepare myself for the school day ahead,” he said.
The Ghost Train has now become more than a local curiosity; for students across Kuala Gris, Bukit Abu, and Ulu Temiang, it represents safety, consistency, and a dependable gateway to education in the heart of rural Malaysia. - January 11, 2026