Thursday 4 February 2010

Malayan Railway

The Malayan Railway Administration
The Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) (Malayan Railway Limited), is the main train which has operated in Malaya from before the war till today. It was formerly the Malayan Railway Administration and was used during the British colonial era for transporting tin for export to Great Britain. It was wholly government owned until it underwent corporatisation in 1992 and became KTMB.

The west coast line runs from Padang Besar in the north near the Thailand border via Butterworth on the mainland facing Penang, down south to Gemas train interchange, and finally ends in Singapore.

The east coast line runs from Gemas via Gua Musang to Kuala Krai in the interior to Wakaf Bharu and ends in the north in Tumpat, Kelantan.

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An early Malay doctor, Dr. Che’ Lah bin Mohd Joonos (Dr MJ Che Lah, 1904-1986), had worked at the Malayan Railway Administration as the Acting Health Officer on 21 June 1946. His salary ($5,820.00 per annum) was paid by the Medical Department. He drew an additional allowance of $7.50 per month under General Order (G.O.) 99iii(2) from 29 June 1946 onward.

 Dr Che Lah at the Malayan Railway Administration as the Acting Health Officer on 21 June 1946. Photograph from Dr Che Lah's collection.

Doctor is guest of honour.


Dr. M. J. Che Lah, (seated centre) Malayan Railway Health Officer pictured at the party given in his honour by the staff of the Health Department, Malayan Railway in Kuala Lumpur. Dr. Che Lah is promoted to Deputy State Medical Medical and Health Officer, Selangor. His successor is Dr. J. A. Leslie-Spinks (seated fourth from right). - Yong Peng Seong picture. Source of the newspaper article above is unknown but it could have been from The Straits Echo or The Star, Thursday, __ January 1947 or 1948? If you are Yong Peng Seong, please do contact me at faridahar@gmail.com. TQ

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It is unknown how long Dr Che Lah had served at the Malayan Railway Administration; he could have served for three years (21 June 1946-before 20 April 1949).

After he completed his service at the Malayan Railway Administration, Dr Che Lah served as the Deputy State Medical and Health Officer for Selangor (Dy SMHO Selangor). He was then involved with the Senior Asian Government Officers Association (SAGOA). He was elected Vice-President of SAGOA as reported in The Straits Times on 20 April 1949.