YOUTH TOURISM CONFERENCE:

Perspectives and Prospects Palm Garden Hotel, Putrajaya, MALAYSIA 3 to 5 May 2005
PAPER 7

RAIL TRAVEL AS A CATALYST FOR YOUTH TOURISM IN MALAYSIA: AN OVERVIEW OF KTMS TRAVEL PACKAGES

TN. HAJI SARBINI BIN TIJAN General Manager, Intercity Services, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB)

INTRODUCTION The railway network system in Malaysia has always been a key component in the countrys progress. The first railway track was built in 1885 linking tin mining town, Taiping to Port Weld. From a mere 12.8 km of track, the network grew as Malaysia developed and prospered. KTM Berhad was corporatised on August 1, 1992 under the Railways Act 1991. Although still wholly owned by the government, KTM Berhad currently operates as a private sector organisation, responsible for its own revenue and operations. KTM Berhads main services comprise transportation of passengers and freight through the countrys rail network. Passenger transportation consists of Intercity express trains and KTM Komuter trains. In the Klang Valley, KTM Komuter electric train network covers 41 stations and halts from Rawang to Seremban and Sentul to Port Klang. The KTM Komuter is a very popular choice among the public to commute to and from work. It is fast, efficient and frequent, the perfect way for suburban travel without having to battle the citys notorious traffic jam. In addition to that, business centres and shopping complexes are also available within the vicinity of the major stations.

INTERCITY SERVICES
With an extensive network throughout the Peninsula, KTM Berhads rail service connects cities and major towns to the countryside, enabling access even to some remote areas. KTM Berhads Intercity service is a must-try, especially for those who want a safe, hasslefree and relaxed-and-easy mode of travel between cities or to remote areas. KTM Intercity currently offers 22 services daily with additional services on weekends and holidays to cater for the increased demands.
Address correspondence to Tn. Hj. Sarbini b. Tijan, General Manager, Intercity Services, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad, SBU Perkhidmatan Antarabandar, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad, Aras 2, Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. Tel.: 603 22798085, Fax.: 603 - 22798850

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KTM Intercity also organises holiday packages to popular destinations such as Langkawi, Penang, Malacca and Kota Bharu at very attractive prices. The packages combine relaxing rail travel with comfortable accommodation at every destination. Apart from transporting passengers and goods, KTM Berhad also runs a courier and parcel service, property rental as well as lease and container haulage.

RAIL TOURISM With an extensive rail track grid covering the length of the Peninsula, KTM Berhad has been transporting different kind of passengers for different travelling purposes including work, study, business and leisure. KTM Berhad has been one of the catalysts in the tourism industry that has its own patrons including locals and foreigners. Tourists choose KTM Berhad services, which runs from Kuala Lumpur to various parts of the Peninsula because it is the best way to discover Malaysia. From bustling, oriental Penang to quaint, traditional Tumpat to metropolitan Johor Bahru, local and foreign tourist will enjoy panoramic views with great comfort taking them to the various places of interest. KTM Berhad realizes that youth tourism is one of growing market, which has potential and can be further expanded. Consequently, KTM Berhad has been developing ways to attract youth travelling by trains. One of the efforts undertaken to encourage train travel is the introduction of membership card specifically design for youth called Youth Discount Card about six years ago. Currently the membership of this group is more than 2,000 people.

YOUTH DISCOUNT CARD Youngsters aged 12 - 17 years old may apply to become members of the KTM Berhad Youth Travel Card (YTC). Members will stand to enjoy 40% discounts on the travel fares for unlimited number of travel. They may choose from any class of travel to any destination on the KTM Intercity trains. 1) Eligibility a) Malaysian youths from age 12 to 18 years are encouraged to apply b) Application form is obtainable from the General Manager, Intercity Service Department and at any KTM Berhad Railway Stations throughout the system c) Application form must be accompanied with a Money/Postal Order of RM30 per annum payable to KTM Berhad. Enclose a photocopy of Identity Card/Birth Certificate d) Processing of the application may take up to 3 - 4 weeks from date of receipt e) All application form should be submitted to : Kad Diskaun KTM Berhad SBU Perkhidmatan Antarabandar Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad Aras 2, Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur 50470 Kuala Lumpur. Tel no: 603 - 22798085 Fax no: 603 - 22798850

RAIL TRAVEL AS A CATALYST FOR YOUTH TOURISM IN MALAYSIA: AN OVERVIEW OF KTMS TRAVEL PACKAGES

2) Terms & Conditions a) b) c) d) e) f) Holder of the YTC will be entitled to a 40% discount off the basic travel fare The YTC is not transferable The card must be produced at the ticketing counter when purchasing ticket and whilst travelling on the trains Valid for use by all class of travel on all Intercity trains services and without restriction Reservation/purchase of tickets may be made within 7 days prior to travel dates Use of card will be subjected to terms & conditions issued by KTM Berhad from time to time.

KTM BERHAD TRAVEL PACKAGES In order to attract and encourage train travel, KTM Berhad has also developed travel packages specifically design for the youth. With the volume carrying capacity that KTM Berhad can offer, these youngsters can travel to various places of interest for adventure, culture, and education or leisure trip with small, medium or large group.

ADVENTURE PACKAGE An example of the adventure package that KTM Berhad offers is Taman Negara (National Park). For the tough and rugged youth that prefers the outdoor activities, Taman Negara is one of the world's oldest tropical rainforest, being in existence since over 130 million years ago. A totally protected area of 4,343 sq. km, the park is a perfect destination for trekking. Its has equally impressive network of jungle trails which this group can enjoy with the help of expert guides. Apart from trekking, Taman Negara is also the most ideal place for fishing enthusiasts, white water rafting experts and mountain climbers. Climbing its 2,187m Gunung Tahan will be challenging experience to this adventurous youth due to water scarcity and its rough trail. Train services are available from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and passes through the town of Jerantut and Merapoh. From the town, a 10-minute journey by car will take you to the Kuala Tembeling or Sungai Relau base camp, the gateway to the natural serenity of Taman Negara.

CULTURE AND TRADITION PACKAGE Malaysia is a multiracial country that has many unique cultures and traditions. For the youth that wants to know more about Malaysias cultures and traditions, the package to Kota Bharu is an alternative to consider. The East Coast night train from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore will take you to Wakaf Bharu and right to the heart of Malaysia's culture site. Discover the batik-making industries and visit the towns renowned market, the Pasar Siti Khadijah, which is dominated by women entrepreneurs. There are so many things to discover and learn including the art of kite making and the traditional culture shows such as Dikir Barat and Wayang Kulit.

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EDUCATIONAL PACKAGE Excursions to historical places will provide an opportunity for the youth to learn more about history and broaden their mind. The educational tour to Malacca for example will give them opportunity to learn more about Malaysias history and how Malacca grew and became one of the largest trading ports in Asia. For more than 100 glorious years, Malacca became the worlds trade centre, where people from every corner of the globe came to exchange silk for spices and many more. Malacca is accessible by road from Tampin railway station.

LEISURE PACKAGE Besides these tailor-made package that KTM Berhad create for the youth, leisure packages that covers all places of interest is another option that can be considered. These youngsters can either enjoy themselves travelling with their peers or should they decide to have a wonderful vacation with their families, rail travel provide many options to all places of interest such as Langkawi and Cameron Highland. For the Langkawi package, KTM Berhad provides comfortable and economical rail services from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar and Arau. From Alor Setar or Arau, road transport is available to Kuala Perlis where the ferry connection will take you to the Isle of Legends. As for the Cameron Highland, the cool climate of the highlands makes it an excellent tea growing area. The small town of Tapah at the foot of Cameron Highlands is the gateway to the resort and can be reached by taking the train service either from Kuala Lumpur or Penang. From Tapah Road station, road transport will take you to the highlands.

In general, rail travel has been a catalyst to tourism industry in Malaysia. KTM Berhad has put a considerable effort in developing and promoting the youth tourism in Malaysia. Besides providing these young people with safe, comfortable and colourful journey, KTM Berhad would like to see these future prospects to learn and grow with these memorable experiences so that they will become knowledgeable and better individuals. As the main rail transport, KTM Berhad has been and will always complement and support all the programs geared towards improving youth tourism in Malaysia.