Tuan Haji Mohd Helmi highlighted that the crocodile adoption initiative supports the council’s vision of transforming Segamat into a premier ecotourism hub. He shared plans to enhance Segamat’s old town and incorporate nearby attractions, such as Bukit Cinta and Jeram Tinggi Waterfall in Jementah, into the region’s tourism strategy. With the upcoming launch of the Gemas-Johor Baru electrified double-track railway project, Segamat is set to attract a significant increase in tourist arrivals.

Walters Farm CEO, Tey Jia Ying, expressed gratitude to GSM Chicken Station for its support, highlighting how this partnership enriches the zoo’s offerings and creates a distinctive interactive experience for visitors. She hopes the initiative will encourage more people to explore Segamat’s unique ecotourism attractions.

He said the mural was designed by four artists over several months and was completed on July 16.

It was painted using weatherproof and waterproof paint in various colours including yellow, red, blue, grey and black.

The mural depicts the theme of the train station service as early as 1954, with the station here serving as a stop for picking up and dropping off passengers.

He stated that MPS welcomes sponsorship from any party wishing to beautify Segamat through murals, but it must be based on accurate historical facts and heritage since its inception.”

“MPS has never used taxpayer funds for beautification work through various murals on the walls of our premises.”

“Instead, all the murals were created through private sponsorship and collaboration with private parties, which include voluntary work,“ he told the Malay news outlet.

Also present was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ayam Segera GSM Sdn.Bhd, Ghai Swee Ling.

The recognition was presented by MBOR representative Lee Pooi Leng.

He mentioned that MPS is currently negotiating with several interested and talented parties for mural projects to decorate the exterior walls of several locations around Segamat, including icons of security forces and the faces of athletes from Segamat who have brought pride to Johor and the country.

“We want to immortalise the achievements of any party through murals, which are hoped to become historical displays to be remembered amidst the modernisation of Segamat, thereby bringing fame to Segamat and raising awareness that there are great individuals from this town.”

“This project is among several mural projects that we aim to complete in the coming months,“ he was quoted as saying.

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/. – July 30, 2024