Sunday August 24, 2008

Use saved subsidy to improve transport links

IT is heartening to see the Prime Minister riding with the rakyat and seeing for himself the hardship of the commuting people (“Get back on track”, The Star, Aug 22).

Though reports and feedback have been submitted through memoranda, dialogue sessions as well as through many senior government officers, they have not been accorded the attention needed.

Fomca has insisted that more allocation be given to the social services sectors including public transport, but no action has been taken thus far.

Fomca wishes to reiterate that instead of reducing the retail petroleum price, the subsidy saved should be channelled to KTM, LRT and bus operators to improve public transport services.

Fomca also hopes all members of the Cabinet will take public transport to experience the condition of the services and understand the plight of the people.

This will help them appreciate the urgency of providing adequate funding and support for public transport services to directly help the rakyat.

Fomca also urges that the Cabinet order by way of executive decision to:

> Review and rationalise the service coverage of bus operators within the Greater Klang Valley (including Klang, Seremban, Bentong and Tg Malim) region, even to the point of reviewing the permit conditions of the current operators as an interim measure.

> Direct the Finance Ministry to provide 100% diesel subsidy to all bus operators based on actual consumption using the fleet card system.

> Approve allocation to purchase additional locomotives and EMUs for Kommuter and LRT services through international open tender for immediate delivery.

> Take over bus transport services that are being leased out to drivers on a daily basis by the permit-holder and give them to competent operators.

MUHAMMAD SHA’ANI ABDULLAH,

Secretary-general, Fomca.