Rantau Panjang wants its buzz back — and traders hope ECRL is the answer

Rantau Panjang, once a thriving border town, now grapples with a decline in trade activity and dwindling visitor numbers. A proposal to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is seen as a potential economic catalyst for the town. Despite some businesses remaining operational, a significant drop in customer volume has been observed, as reported in a Bernama survey of Rantau Panjang town.

Traders express optimism about the potential impact of the ECRL extension, which could boost visitor numbers and improve transport accessibility, thus reviving local commerce. For instance, Syed Abu Bakar Syed Daud, a 65-year-old resident with over 50 years of experience, witnessed the town's transformation, noting that the decline in commercial activity has adversely affected his income.

Similarly, trader Fu Chee Kat, who has been in business for over 30 years, has scaled back his operations due to changing customer patterns and tax concerns. Rozila Salleh, a 55-year-old resident, appreciates the government's focus on Rantau Panjang's development, hoping the ECRL extension would contribute to the area's revitalization.