THE “Train Across Time” mural in Segamat, which was recently unveiled by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, has set a new record as the “Largest Train Wall Mural in Malaysia” and has been officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records.
On July 28, 2024, Malaysia Book of Records representative Lee Pooi Leng had personally visited northern Johor town to present the certificate to GSM Chicken Station founder Ghai Swee Leng who had initiated the mural painting.
Located on the exterior wall of GSM Chicken Station on Jalan Abdullah in Segamat’s old town, the “Largest Train Wall Mural in Malaysia” forms part of the “Train Across Time” mural, measuring 10.4 metres in height and 12.5 metres in width.
The “Train Across Time” mural depicts a steam train from 1954 meeting a modern train from 2024 at the corner of the wall, creating a visual narrative of the passage of time and technological advancement.
The concept of the “Train Across Time” mural was developed by Ghai who had then engaged renowned mural artist Tan Jian Siong from Muar to bring it to life.
According to Ghai, the choice of trains as the theme was inspired by Segamat’s historical train station, a landmark rich with collective memories for the people of Segamat.
The old train station was demolished years ago to make way for a new one, which is currently operating.
The mural thus serves to reconnect the community with its heritage, offering a visual journey through Segamat’s railway history.
Ghai spent several months searching for historical photographs of the old train station, finally finding a photo dated July 28, 1954 from Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad’s (KTMB) official archives.
The year 2024 marks an important milestone with the opening of the new Segamat train station, which inspired the creation of this mural that links the past and present, conveying the vision of “reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future”.
The mural features classic elements such as tracks, a switch lever, signs, and authentic wooden railroad ties to recreate a realistic train station scene.
The switch lever symbolises the transition of eras. By pulling the lever, it will take you from the steam train era of 1954 to the modern train era of 2024 from the black-and-white world into a colourful one.
In addition to the certificate presentation, the day also marked the grand opening of GSM Chicken Station, a train station-themed chicken specialty store founded by Ghai, who returned to her hometown Segamat from Kuala Lumpur. GSM Chicken Station offers a variety of chicken dishes and train-themed meals, notably the Railway Bento.
For more information about the “Train Across Time” mural and GSM Chicken Station, visit https://gsmchickenstation.com/. – Focus Malaysia
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