For many, driving to their hometowns in Malaysia may not be an option. Hence, they have to rely on the train to get them safely to their destinations.
But, what if the trains aren’t exactly reliable?
A netizen, Dillys, reached out to WORLD OF BUZZ to share how KTM Berhad’s Intercity ETS had broken down slightly after midnight (12.10am) earlier today (August 2) during her journey from KL Sentral to Ipoh. On top of that, she claims that passengers were left to their own devices for 40 minutes before any staff members showed up.
“The ETS just suddenly stopped after the Batu Gajah station. The electricity went off, there was no air-conditioning and it was pitch black. Not even a single staff member came to inform us about what was happening. We were all stuck in the middle of the jungle with no clue of what was happening,”
“There were many old people, pregnant mothers and small children. All became restless since we didn’t know what was happening and what to do,” she said.
40 minutes later, a staff member arrived and informed the passengers that they had to walk to the back of the train.
Apparently, the whole train was dark but there were no staff members there to assist the elderly passengers. Dillys and the other passengers, thankfully, helped the elderly passengers by lighting the way using the flashlights on their phones and directing them.
When they finally got to the last carriage of the ETS, they had to alight from the train and walk to the Batu Gajah station, which was about 500 meters away, in the dark. Thankfully, the Batu Gajah station was lit up.
“Me and my sister noticed that there were a lot of old uncles and aunties, so we split up and helped them with our flashlights. Unfortunately, there was still not even a staff member (to help), and we had to take the stairs from platform 2 to platform 1,”
“I just felt bad for all the old people and pregnant mothers with kids as they had to carry their luggage and climb the stairs.
After reaching the other platform, a train from Ipoh came to fetch everyone but there was still not 1 announcement or staff member that came to tell us what was happening,” she explained.
WORLD OF BUZZ reached out to KTM and was informed that the ETS had experienced technical difficulties.
“Train set ETS 9052 had a technical breakdown at Batu Gajah Station and was replaced by a relief train set to go to the next destination,”
“All arrangements from KTMB were made in accordance with SOPs to ensure that all passengers were moved safely and without harm,” they said.
You can check out videos from the incident here:
We’re thankful to Dillys, her sister and the other passengers, who stepped up to help those who needed assistance.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: M’sian Shares How Technical Issues Left ETS Passengers Stranded for More Than 4 Hours!