Source: National Archives of Malaysia, Johor Branch. Accession number G51

As Malaya entered the 20th century, the British extended the railway southward, linking Gemas to Tanjong Pagar in Singapore. Opened in 1909, this spurred the growth of rubber plantations, towns, and new settlements that would power the region’s economy for decades.

During the Pacific War, railways became strategic lifelines. After the Japanese occupation ended, the Malayan Union was formed, unifying the peninsula’s rail systems under one administration — the Malayan Railway Administration (MRA) — eventually known as Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM).

Source: Australian War Memorial.

In 1946, plans for the Malayan Union were met with strong local resistance. These debates gave rise to the Federation of Malaya in 1948, paving the way for independence in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963. Though Singapore later separated, the nation’s journey remained deeply tied to the railway lines that helped connect its people and shape its future.