PASIR MAS, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- Rantau Panjang was once a bustling border town, alive with the pulse of trade; however, the passage of time and a decline in visitor numbers have left some premises quiet, while the remaining traders continue to hope for a turnaround.
The proposal to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) alignment from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is seen not merely as a new transport option, but as a potential catalyst to revitalize economic activities in the town.
For those who have earned their livelihood there for decades, ECRL represents more than just tracks and trains; it offers a chance to see Rantau Panjang return to being a bustling, vibrant hub that draws crowds once again.
A Bernama survey of Rantau Panjang town found that while some businesses are operating as usual, others remain closed reflecting a shift in the business landscape compared to the vibrance locals once experienced.
For the traders who have persevered, customer volume is a key factor in business survival, consequently, any initiative to improve accessibility and the flow of people to the area is eagerly awaited.
Rantau Panjang resident Syed Abu Bakar Syed Daud, 65, who has lived in the area for over 50 years said he has personally witnessed the town's transformation, particularly regarding the number of visitors and traders.
Having started his business more than 44 years ago, he noted that the slump in commercial activity has impacted his own income, forcing him to close two grocery shops and an eatery over the past year. “When this town was still ‘alive,’ over 1,000 traders operated here, but now fewer than 30 per cent remain, even though visitor numbers are merely modest. In the past, I could make over RM1,000 in daily sales, but before closing my shop, there were times when it was difficult to reach that amount even over two or three days,” he told Bernama recently.
According to Syed Abu Bakar, the shift became more pronounced following the COVID-19 pandemic, as visitor numbers and business activity in the town failed to return to previous levels.
He noted that the proposal to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to Rantau Panjang offers a glimmer of hope for traders who wish to see the area become a hub of activity once again.
“I was delighted to hear the news that the ECRL is set to be extended to Rantau Panjang. We certainly hope that more people will visit and that the town can come back to life,” he said.
For trader Fu Chee Kat, 81, who has been doing business in Rantau Panjang for over 30 years, changing customer patterns have also impacted his operations.
He previously ran two shops selling various goods including kitchenware and bedsheets and employed six workers; however, he was forced to close one shop two years ago and now retains only one employee.
He added that one of the issues raised by customers is their concern regarding taxes on goods purchased in the area.
“There are customers who said they were reluctant to come and shop in this town due to concerns about being charged tax. There are times when they are taxed even after purchasing just a single item. Therefore, I hope the government will look into this matter and re-evaluate it, particularly regarding retail purchases; perhaps the tax could be abolished for retail and applied only to wholesale purchases,” he said.
Fu said if the ECRL extension materialises, the increase in visitor numbers could benefit local traders who still rely on commercial activities in the town.
In this regard, resident Rozila Salleh, 55, expressed deep appreciation of the MADANI Government's under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over the ]\[focus on the development of Rantau Panjang.
She hopes the proposed ECRL extension would drive development and improve transport accessibility in the border area.
“Rantau Panjang is indeed one of the main gateways to Thailand, so extending the ECRL here would provide residents and visitors with another transport option alongside the current land routes.
“We greatly appreciate the Prime Minister and the MADANI Government's attention to development in border areas like Rantau Panjang. We hope this initiative becomes a reality, as it would not only benefit residents but also open up broader economic opportunities for local traders,” she said.
Media reports previously indicated that Malaysia and China had agreed to the proposal to extend the ECRL project from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, a move with the potential to establish a direct transport link with Thailand.
Anwar reportedly said the proposal could not only boost the economy of Kelantan’s interior which had previously seen limited development spillover but also strengthen cross-border transport connectivity.
in August, Transport Minister Anthony Loke reportedly said that ECRL Phase 1 (Kota Bharu to Gombak) is targeted to begin operations this December ahead of the original January 2027 schedule subject to the smooth progress of testing and commissioning processes, including System Integration Tests and the Fault-Free Run, without compromising safety.
-- BERNAMA