Asian Insider: Malaysia Edition helps you connect the dots on the biggest stories playing out in Malaysia every week. Sign up here to get the newsletter in your inbox.
Dear ST reader,
When we think about getting around in Malaysia, what comes to mind is the vast network of roads and highways that can take you from the Johor Causeway all the way up north to the Malaysia-Thai border.
But for many Malaysians who live away from the beaten gravel or have to commute hundreds of kilometres daily, the decades-old Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) trains are still the best form of transport.
In fact, a rail revival is on the horizon. KTM is looking to upgrade its network, with several major rail projects set to roll out by early 2027.
For my colleague Lu Wei Hoong and me, the 15-day reporting journey that spanned 1,500km, was a reminder of the allure of the open track.
From witnessing the Ghibli train at dawn to seeing the bustling trade in Padang Besar at the Thai border, he said: “The experience rekindled my love for rail travel. Because it brings people together.”
Speaking of bringing people together, Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) held its annual congress in Alor Setar, Kedah, over the Malaysia Day long weekend. The conservative Islamist party discussed how it could expand its appeal to non-Muslims and the urban youth ahead of the general election due 2028.
But while it seeks to pull in new vote banks, it has also caused friction with its existing opposition coalition allies Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia. PAS has accused them of being ineffective in efforts to take power and defeat Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the upcoming polls which some believe could take place as early as next year.
We hope that ST’s coverage of Malaysia has helped keep you on track. If you have a suggestion or feedback on stories you’d like to see our bureau chase down, feel free to holler.
Thank you for reading The Straits Times.
Malaysia rediscovers allure of train travel
Once neglected in favour of planes and cars, the train network is enjoying a quiet resurgence.
Calling the shots or jumping the gun? PAS eyes bigger role in national politics
Its message for a leadership change in the opposition bloc raises tensions with ally Bersatu.
PAS revvs up modern, cool image in hopes of a ‘green wave’ repeat
PAS courts minorities with proposal to teach Mandarin and Tamil in public schools
Malaysia’s move towards nationwide vape ban draws mixed reaction
Syndicates hiring young people in Johor to smuggle vapes into Singapore
More than 15,000 vapes and components were seized at the land crossings in June and July.
Death toll in Sabah floods and landslides climbs to 13
Singaporeans can use QR code to clear immigration at Johor land checkpoints
