Starchild: All Aboard! Why trains are a hit with Malaysian kids
Train is one of the modes of public transport in Malaysia. The service plays an important role in helping people get to school, work and even go on holidays.
A train is a series of connected vehicles that run on tracks and can carry people or goods across short or long distances.
Unlike cars or buses that travel on roads, trains don't get stuck in traffic. They move smoothly and can be faster, safer and even more comfortable for long trips.
Hubert Chua Way Bo, 9
One of the most exciting train routes in Malaysia is the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).
When it is completed next year, the ECRL will connect the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang with the west coast states like Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
This means people living in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia can reach the west coast in less time, making it easier to visit family, travel for work or explore different parts of the country.
Malaysia also has other important train services like KTM Komuter for daily travel around cities, ETS (Electric Train Service) for inter-state journeys, and the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRT (Light Transit Transit) systems that help people move around in the Klang Valley.
Do you know that the Shinkansen, also known as the Japanese bullet train, is famous for its high speed?
The fastest Shinkansen can reach a top speed of 320km/h and it has been in service since 1964.
Trains are good for the planet too – they produce less pollution compared to cars and planes.
Recently Starchild asked readers to send in letters on the topic, My Dream Train. Here's what they had to say.
Asher Wang Qi Chuen, seven, says: 'My train is designed as a hybrid cargo train that runs on both gas and electricity. It's very colourful, has a star logo and can go very fast with wheels of different sizes. My cargo train transports cargo to various destinations quickly. It's the top three fastest and coolest trains in the world.'
Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 7
'My dream train is a compact and cosy train made for family travel. It has a small lounge, a telephone room, a toilet and a bedroom with quadruple decker bunk beds for the family to sleep. It is powered by electricity and doesn't emit harmful smoke,' says older sibling, Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10.
'My dream train is big, fast and very colourful with 20 carriages. One carriage is a library. Another is a playground with slides and trampolines. There is also a food carriage which has lots of food including different types of main course, ice cream, soup and fresh fruit for everyone to enjoy while they travel.'
Lyu Liang Fu, 10
'My dream train can continue on its tracks non-stop using solar power. It can take people to all places without polluting the environment. I hope one day this dream train becomes a reality and I would be able to eat as many burgers as possible on my way home,' writes Lyu Liang Fu, 10.
ITEM: Taste is one of our five senses. We taste food using our tastebuds, which are on our tongue.
There are five main tastes – sweet, sour, salty, bitter and savoury (umami).
What is your favourite food? Is it something your mother or father cooks? Or maybe something you eat at a restaurant?
You can also write a story about a funny, yucky or super tasty food. Maybe you tried something new for the first time!
Draw your favourite food or a food that made you feel happy, surprised or even a little scared.
Email your contributions to lifestyle@thestar.com.my by July 25. Please put 'STARCHILD: My Taste Buds' in the subject line of your email.
Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi.
Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
17 hours ago
- The Sun
ONYX Hospitality Group Reinforces Long-Term Commitment to Key Market Japan Through Targeted Development Strategy
BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 July 2025 - ONYX Hospitality Group, the prominent management company in Southeast Asia specialising in hotels and resorts, serviced apartments and luxury residences, is reinforcing its long-term commitment to Japan as a key strategic market through a targeted development initiative. As part of its broader vision for growth in Northeast Asia, ONYX will embark on a focused Japan Sales Mission from 29th September to 3rd October 2025, aimed at strengthening trade partnerships and laying the groundwork for future growth in the region. This initiative centres on one-on-one meetings with key partners, reflecting ONYX's strategic focus on consultative engagement and its dedication to cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships within the Japanese travel trade. 'Japan is a market that rewards consistency, depth, and cultural alignment,' said Mr Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group. 'Success here relies on strong, ongoing partnerships with travel agents and tour operators, and we are fully committed to nurturing these relationships. This sales mission is a key part of our long-term strategy to tailor our offerings to the evolving needs of Japanese travellers and steadily grow our presence through thoughtful, partner-led development.' The sales mission and partner engagements will focus on showcasing ONYX's key properties in Thailand, highlighting the Group's strong presence in a region highly appealing to Japanese tourists. Thailand remains a top destination for medical and wellness tourism, golf travel, as well as long-stay and retirement segments - niches that are especially popular among Japanese travellers. ONYX Hospitality Group is uniquely positioned to cater to these markets through its diversified portfolio across key Thai destinations. Bangkok and Phuket consistently rank among the top preferred destinations for Japanese travellers, creating exciting opportunities for several of ONYX's flagship properties across its Amari, OZO, and Shama brands. Properties that are already well-regarded by Japanese travellers include Amari Bangkok, Amari Phuket, Amari Pattaya, OZO North Pattaya, and Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok. This diverse portfolio reflects the varied preferences of the Japanese market, ranging from the warm hospitality and comprehensive services of Amari, the contemporary appeal of OZO, to the spacious serviced apartments offered by Shama. Beyond well-known destinations, there is growing interest among Japanese travellers in emerging areas such as Chonburi Province, located on Thailand's eastern Gulf coast and home to popular beach towns like Bangsaen and Pattaya. This opens further potential for properties such as Amari Pattaya, OZO North Pattaya, and the newly opened Amari Bangsaen, located approximately 85 kilometres southeast of Bangkok and close to Pattaya. Similarly, Khao Lak, in Phang Nga Province north of Phuket, represents a promising market for Amari Vogue Krabi, located nearby in Krabi Province. This reflects rising interest in secondary Thai destinations. The upcoming activities in Japan aim to further strengthen the profile of ONYX's established key properties while also exploring opportunities to tailor offerings at emerging destinations, meeting the evolving needs of the Japanese market and deepening engagement with the travel trade. Further enhancing ONYX's strong portfolio and proactive efforts, robust air connectivity between Thailand and Japan - including direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka - enhances travel convenience, supporting frequent visits by both leisure and business travellers, as well as long-stay visitors. As part of ONYX Hospitality Group's strategic growth, the upcoming Japan sales mission will highlight properties under the newly established ONYX Hospitality Real Estate Investment Trust (ONYXRT). This REIT was set up through a filing with Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission and initially includes four high-performing leasehold properties: Amari Bangkok, Amari Pattaya, OZO Pattaya, and OZO Phuket - all demonstrating strong average occupancy rates above 80%. Featuring ONYXRT properties in the Japan sales mission underlines the Group's integrated approach, combining operational excellence with asset optimisation to maximise value across its portfolio. The sales mission reinforces ONYX Hospitality Group's long-term commitment to the Japanese market by strengthening strategic relationships with leading wholesalers, OTAs, and retail agencies. It will highlight ONYX's commitment to aligning its offerings with the evolving preferences of Japanese travellers, while gathering valuable market insights to inform future product and marketing development. By maintaining a consistent and engaged presence, ONYX aims to secure sustainable growth and deepen its footprint in this important market over the years to come.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Cultural evening of song, dance, festivities
THE soft glow of hundreds of lanterns illuminated Penang's Bon Odori celebration, giving this year's event at the Esplanade a deeper meaning. It symbolised the guiding lights of tradition and highlighted the enduring spirit of friendship and togetherness shared by the people of Malaysia and Japan. The lanterns' vibrant colours – pink, red and yellow – also created postcard-worthy scenes that afforded the crowd of thousands, countless photo-taking opportunities. Children giggled as they chased each other beneath the swaying orbs, while families and friends gathered on picnic mats to share food and watch stage performances that kicked off just before sunset. Participants clad in colourful 'yukata', taking selfies at the Esplanade. These included the evocative Bon Odori dance, where participants form a circle and move about in graceful rhythms. Its choreography of simple repetitive steps and hand gestures allowed people of all backgrounds to participate, from Japanese expatriates to locals and children. Also joining in were dignitaries including consul-general of Japan in Penang Shinya Machida and state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai. In his speech, Machida expressed his delight at how the Bon Odori had been warmly embraced and integrated into Penang's cultural scene since the 1990s. He described it as a testament to how cultural exchange could foster lasting friendships across borders – something that is especially important in today's increasingly interconnected world. Visitor Vincent Chuah, 40 (right), taking photos of friend Ice Goh, 30 (left), against the backdrop of lanterns at Penang Bon Odori 2025. There are currently over 3,000 Japanese expatriates living in Penang, many of whom are employees or families of the over 100 Japanese companies operating in the state. 'I would like to thank the people of Penang for welcoming us and all the community members who made this meaningful annual event possible,' Machida added. Hon Wai said the event – now a highlight of the state's annual calendar – was more than just a night of music, dance and food. Rather, it is a reflection of unity, he said. 'Penang is proud of its reputation as an international city, one that has for centuries welcomed people, ideas and cultures from across the world. 'Bon Odori is a powerful expression of this openness. 'From a tradition born in Japan, it has been embraced in Penang and now celebrated together by people of all backgrounds. The crowd on the Esplanade field enjoying food while taking in stage performances. 'This year's theme of 'Akari Bon Odori' which means Festival of Lights, reminds us of this warmth, connection and community. 'It represents the many ways we come together, learn from and appreciate one another, and celebrate the richness of culture,' Hon Wai added. Many festival-goers also came dressed in yukata – thinner, unlined versions of kimono typically worn during the hot summer months – to get in the spirit of the celebration. They included the winner of last year's Miss Penang Bon Odori pageant, Madeline Wong, as well as runners-up Misaki Woo and Angeline Tan. The trio enlivened the occasion with their graceful presence, often stopping to pose for photos with visitors and even stopping to chat with visitors about their experiences. Visitors learning kendo moves from exponents. Madeline, a flight attendant, said the event was something she had always looked forward to annually. As a national karate exponent, she was exposed to Japanese culture from a young age. 'I've been to many Japanese cities and found the people, culture and food amazing. 'I feel privileged to play the role of ambassador and share it with everyone,' she enthused. Her counterparts from the Penang Goshin-Ryu Karate Association were also among the troupes putting on a performance for the public. MacGregor playing the 'shakuhachi' at the event. An aikido demonstration was delivered by the Mushinkan Academy, while shakuhachi (Japanese flute) master Andrew MacGregor impressed with a solo performance. The Studio Pentas Dance Collective also put on a special number titled 'Pulse of the Jewel'. There were dozens of stalls offering games such as the ever-popular goldfish fishing and balloon scooping, as well as workshops on crafts like origami. Towards the end, echoes of the evergreen Rasa Sayang rang out, after which a spectacular fireworks display erupted over the newly restored Fort Cornwallis and brought proceedings to a close.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Larkin Sentral revamp boosting travel, business confidence, say commuters
COMMUTERS are happy with Johor government's efforts to improve public transport, saying that recent upgrades have contributed to smoother, hassle-free travel. College student Nur Syafiqa Sulaiman, 23, who travels from Johor Baru to her family home in Pasir Gudang every weekend, said she had noticed significant improvement in punctuality, especially at Larkin Sentral – the main transport terminal. Nur Syafiqa says nowadays, buses arrive on time at Larkin Sentral. 'Public transportation in Johor has improved a lot lately. The buses I take always arrive on time at Larkin Sentral,' said the information technology diploma student. Upon reaching the terminal, Nur Syafiqa opts for a taxi instead of e-hailing services. She is also looking forward to the Electric Train Service (ETS) in Johor Baru. 'The ETS will strengthen public transportation in Johor Baru and make it easier and faster for people, especially students like myself,' she said. For cross-border travellers like consultant Mohd Ariff Leow Abdullah, 61, improvements in immigration processes have made a difference. 'I cross the Causeway at least once a month for meetings in Singapore. 'Nowadays, there is a lot of improvement in immigration clearance on both sides.' Mohd Ariff: Improvements in immigration processes have made a tangible difference. Mohd Ariff prefers taking Singapore-bound taxis from Larkin Sentral as they allowed him flexibility and comfort. 'I prefer taking the cross-border taxi because I don't need to rush to catch a bus. 'I can travel at my own pace, and that really matters for business trips.' He is especially optimistic about the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, expected to be operational by end-2026 or early 2027 – connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Baru with Woodlands North in Singapore. 'With RTS coming soon, travelling will become even more seamless. 'It will be a game changer for regular commuters,' he added. Natasha: State initiative to upgrade the facility is long overdue. Long-time business operator Natasha Juan, 45, who runs a hair salon at Larkin Sentral, said the upgrading project was long overdue. 'I have been here almost 30 years. Larkin Sentral is not just a transport hub – it is also an economic centre. 'There is a wet market, shops and services. People don't just catch buses here, they come to shop and run errands,' she pointed out. Juan hopes the RM2.5mil upgrading project will attract more visitors and help boost businesses. 'Once upgrading works are completed, especially for the toilets, I believe more people will feel comfortable coming here. 'It will help businesses like mine,' she added. Meanwhile, Dr R. Daya Para Rao, 63, a Klang Valley resident who visited Johor Baru for a meeting, had his first experience using Larkin Sentral when boarding a bus home. 'I was pleasantly surprised. It was very systematic, and the staff were helpful. 'As a senior citizen, I appreciate that things are well-organised and not confusing.' He said transportation projects like RTS and ETS would further complement Johor's growth as a modern and investor-friendly city. 'The Johor government is clearly serious about upgrading public transport. 'That is very important for everyone,' he said. Dr Daya Para Rao said that as Johor's economy expanded, seamless transport was crucial for supporting mobility and daily life. He said, 'Johor Baru is growing rapidly in terms of economic development, and this will attract more people to live and work here. 'With good public transport, Johor's vision of becoming a developed state can be a reality.' — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
