Malaysian roads are often quite congested, especially during peak hours. Some of us can tahan the traffic, but some absolutely have no patience for it. So, what other options do Malaysians have when they need to travel to work or college?
The answer is public transport, of course! Malaysia certainly is blessed with all kinds of public transport like taxis, e-hailing services, buses, and trains that take you to almost any location in Malaysia. You wouldn’t have to brave through hours of crawling traffic or spend unnecessary money on petrol. Plus, you could even take a short nap on your commute!
It’s almost a win-win situation for everybody as it also decreases the number of cars on the road. Yet, we can’t deny that there are moments when we take public transport and get more than a little frustrated when using it. Especially if you are a frequent user of Keretapi Tanah Melayu, or more commonly known as the KTM.
Unlike the newer and more advanced types of public transport, KTM has its own unique qualities that seem to bring its passengers together in solidarity.
So, if you use the KTM regularly, then you’ll definitely relate to these struggles only KTM travellers have experienced before:
1. You wait forever for the train
When is it coming?! | Source: WORLD OF BUZZ
KTM trains don’t come very frequently, which means you have to wait for a long time. More often than not, the wait is unpleasant as the waiting area is usually hot, stuffy, and there are almost always not enough places to sit. What’s worse is that the time display could be inaccurate and you never know when exactly the next train is coming. Hopefully not so late lah!
However, you are still willing to wait because you know that if you miss the train, waiting for the next one would take even longer and you just can’t afford to let that happen!
2. There’s always not enough seats for everyone
Source: WORLD OF BUZZ
Because KTM trains take so long to arrive, the waiting area usually gets packed with passengers. This means that the seats on the train definitely won’t be enough to accommodate every passenger and some of us would have to stand. Ugh, why?!
This can be quite tiring for some people as some of them are taking longer distance rides. So, it’s always a good day when you can find a seat on the KTM, which brings us to our next point.
3. Queuing early to ‘chup’ a seat on the train
Source: WORLD OF BUZZ
Source: WORLD OF BUZZ
During peak hours, you need to start queuing up about half an hour before the train arrives so that you can be the first one to get a seat as KTM trains fill up pretty fast once the doors are open. #Kiasu
Some don’t even mind sitting on the floor if it means they’re the first in line. But so dirty, leh!
It’s just a small sacrifice you have to pay just to get a place to rest on the long train ride. Relate, mou?
4. Rude people pushing to get on the train without letting people get out first
Source: WORLD OF BUZZ
Some people are so desperate to get on the train that they forget that there are people who need to get out first! Passengers end up having to squeeze their way between the multitude of people pushing their way in, which leads to a lot of toe-stepping and shoulder-bumping. Where are our manners, guys?
If you’re thinking, “I’m not one of those people”, and always give way for people to come out first, your efforts are probably in vain as people behind you expect you to push your way in, anyway.
5. Getting squashed from your left, right, front and back
Source: WORLD OF BUZZ
If you’ve taken the KTM during peak hours in the morning, you’ve most probably found yourself in a rather tight situation. Not only are the seats full, but the standing area is also packed like a can of sardines.
Your struggle now is not just having to stand for the whole ride, but finding something to hold onto so that you don’t topple over. Might not want to breathe so heavily either!
And finally, we’ve saved the best for last.
6. Waiting impatiently for signal clearance
Source: WORLD OF BUZZ
Only KTM travellers can relate when the train stops in the middle of nowhere and the announcement is made that the “train is waiting for a signal clearance from the train control centre”. This can take anything from five minutes to 45 minutes to wait for the “signal clearance”, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Kesian those who are standing!
For those of you who don’t know, a signal clearance usually happens when a train stops and waits for another train to pass before continuing with the journey.
And that concludes the main struggles KTM travellers face in their everyday commute. There are plenty more, but there’s no doubt that they have improved their services compared to last time!
At least KTM doesn’t have to stand for Kereta Tidak Mari anymore. 
However, as frustrating as it seems, KTM still does the job of taking its passengers to their destination because it reaches certain areas of Malaysia that most trains don’t go to. #ktmlife
Do you take the KTM? If so, did you relate to any of the struggles mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: Seremban-KL Express KTM Will Be Back in Service Starting July 25
