Letters

Integrated transport system crucial

LETTER: Many steps can be taken to ensure the nation's public transport not only facilitates physical distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic but is also greener and accessible to the people.

This, naturally, starts with the rail system. As a public transport user, I believe the government should not only focus on building more light rail transit (LRT) and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) connecting lines.

We must also ensure that frequent and best-in-class maintenance is carried out on crucial infrastructure to ensure the safety and comfort of users.

I believe that the top guns in Prasarana Malaysia Berhad or Mass Rapid Transit Corporation do not commute daily, unless for public relations purposes.

So, they may not be aware that repair or maintenance is needed for broken lifts, leaking stations and noise pollution due to friction along the lines, especially in Petaling Jaya.

I wonder if we lubricate the rail tracks with top-of-the-line rail lubrication system to minimise noise pollution. They should also look into the signalling and other technical issues that have been plaguing the MRT and LRT systems of late.

The nation also experienced incidents of collapsed scaffolding, including at rail system construction sites.

People have been injured, and local and foreign workers died over the years. Four incidents have been recorded so far this year.

Nonetheless, KTMB did a good job with the electric train service (ETS), which connects Padang Besar to the southern states. The train service is convenient, especially in avoiding "balik kampung" traffic along the PLUS Highway.

I hope the government will also look into the bus services, especially in the Klang Valley. Although 80 per cent of Klang Valley residents own a car or motorcycle, buses are still relevant, particularly for the elderly, young adults, as well as foreign workers.

The Rapid buses should be punctual and have a time schedule like the MRT feeder buses. I hope the new chiefs in Prasarana will look into this matter, as both have joined the public transport group with sterling track records.

At the same time, it is disappointing that the Works Ministry and the local authorities do not repair potholes on the roads during the lockdown when there are fewer vehicles on the road. The return of traffic will delay the repair work.

Meanwhile, we should not forget our brothers and sisters in Sabah and Sarawak. A better transport system is much needed there.

I hope that the government, especially the reappointed transport minister, redoubles efforts to ensure the transport system functions well and is competitive regionally.

Thailand launched a new suburban rail line called the "Red Line" last month. They also plan to build a High-Speed Rail connecting Bangkok to Pattaya, which will eventually connect other provinces, including in the south. They were able to carry out this project despite grappling with a severe outbreak of Covid-19!

That is why we need to reconsider the High-Speed Rail agenda, especially on the domestic front, so that we could connect to other parts of Asean via rail line. This is a safer, faster and cleaner option for travel.

We must be open-minded about this option and act fast so that we are not left out in the greater Asean connectivity.

If funding is a potential issue given the need for the government to focus on economic recovery, funding models that involve stronger public-private partnerships could be considered.

This infrastructure financing model is feasible for projects of this scale to jump-start the flagging economy due to the pandemic.

In conclusion, a good, integrated transport system is crucial for Malaysia's recovery, and to secure the future.

DR LING T.K.

Puchong, Selangor


The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times

Most Popular
Related Article
Says Stories