Spruce Up Padang Besar Railway Station For Hassle Free Exit

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HAT Yai is a popular tourist spot in Thailand for Malaysian visitors, especially those living in the neighbouring states of Perlis, Kedah and Kelantan.
During the holiday season, the Thai city, located in the Songkhla province, will be teeming with tourists from Malaysia who come by train or bus.
I just returned from a four-day trip to Hat Yai with a group of family friends but I came home with one gripe about the railway station in Padang Besar on the Malaysian side of the border.
As soon as the train stopped at the railway station, passengers poured out to beat the queue to reach the first floor to exit the building.
There were no KTM officers to control the crowd as it surged forward to the two exit points – one the stairway and the other the lift.
Both exits were jam-packed. Those climbing up the two flights of stairs were pushing and shoving their way to the top without paying much heed to their safety.
They dragged their heavy luggage up the steps in great haste without realising the danger lurking at every step.
One misstep and down they would go, and most probably would suffer some broken bones. Or worse still, cause a stampede with disastrous consequences. Only the fittest and ablest could make it to the top.
The other exit offered little comfort. The lift is small and could take in only three persons at one time. If you are big-sized, only two could squeeze in. And if you are jumbo-sized, only one could step in.
Although the lift is largely meant for the elderly and the disabled, the notice is ignored as the young and the abled joined the elderly rather than climbed the steep steps.
If no mishap occurs, you then proceed to the Malaysian immigration and customs complex located some kilometres away. Once cleared, your next stop is the Thai immigration checkpoint and then you are on the way to Hat Yai.
All this inconvenience at the railway station could be solved by renovating the KTM building.
Build at least one elevator to help ease the congestion. Or install two or three fairly large lifts to accommodate more visitors. And station a few KTM officers to control the crowd.
It doesn’t require rocket science to spruce up the dingy-looking place.
Under Budget 2025, some RM750 mil has been reportedly allocated to the Transport Ministry. Although KTM is managed by the Railway Assets Corporation, this federal statutory body comes under the Transport Ministry.
Hence, at least some of the money could be used to renovate the Padang Besar railway station.
Spare some thoughts for the thousands of Malaysian visitors to Hat Yai who want a hassle-free, safe and enjoyable trip. 
Phlip Rodrigues is a retired journalist.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of 
- Focus Malaysia.

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