PENANGITES have urged Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) to set-up an integrated ticketing office to purchase tickets within the island, instead of heading to Butterworth in Prai.
President of the Penang Consumer Protection Association (CPA), Datuk K. Koris Attan said it was unfair, especially to the less-mobile group.
Senior citizens, disabled and the poor cannot afford to constantly commute to Prai to purchase tickets, he said.
While the government wants to encourage digitalisation, many of the old folks shun it because it is a complicated process, said Koris.
On top of it, there are now many scams aimed at senior citizens, who have lost millions to scammers who used online platforms to cheat them, said Koris.
So, from banking to online purchases, Koris said that the old and even the disabled and the poor prefer to do it in - person.
"It is fine to expand e-commerce but on the same token, allow the purchases at ticketing counters," said Koris.
He added that he has spoken to KTM officials, who stated that the ticketing office was closed because the Penang Port authorities, who owned it, wanted the shop house unit back.
But Koris said that KTM should find another place to sell tickets over the counter and to have an electronic kiosk.
"The rail service is making a comeback in a big way now because travellers want a sense of convenience and safety at a reasonable cost."
Roads are congested and airliner fares can be steep, especially during the peak period, he said.
And many old folks prefer to travel by rail, so it is best for KTM to be sensitive to their plight.
KTM’s ticketing office near the ferry terminal had closed as the train offices relocated to Butterworth as its main northern hub. - December 19, 2025.
