Of tembak, tembak, tembak and ...

Tembak, tembak, tembak or rather it's hogwash all the way. On one part, we have Idris Jala openly contradicting himself by sending mixed signals on being thrifty and at the same time going on a spending spree. We have Kong Chong Ha who wanted to sound intelligent by using the word enviromental friendly when he do not even know the need of KTMB to increase their daily plying into Singapore. Our 1mPM6 is surrounded by advisers and officials who turn Malaysia into easy meat.

It is my morning ritual to collect a free copy of the Sun. As I scan through the pages today (whilst waiting for the komuter), "M'sia - S'pore undersea tunnel an option - Kong" spoils my day! If KTMB (read : the government) have still failed to provide a descent komuter service within Klang valley, why is the Government harping on an ambitious project that does not benefit us? For readers' information, the komuter (shuttle) service between Port Klang - Sentul is getting worse by the day with KTMB cancelling the 6:50 am, 7:04 am and 7:30 am shuttles today because they do not have the trains! There goes my early appointment with a friend from the east coast in the mall...

That's not all, this Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) mentioned the high speed rail link between Kuala Lumpur _ Singapore. Only months ago, this Idris Jala cautioned us to be thrifty bacause we are heading Greece way and now he is coming up with these seven projects worth RM 115B to propel Malaysia's economy? The same mouth that warned us to be thrifty is now announcing RM 115B worth of projects? Masterwordsmith unplugged termed it "From bankcruptcy to spending spree"

Remember the KTMB Tanjung Pagar land deal? What about Najib's dreams of KL-S'pore high speed rail link? Penarik Beca claimed "Singapura menang lagi" What else Najib has in store for us, Malaysians?

Let's visit Kong Chong Ha's statement on the undersea tunnel first. Why undersea? Kong Chong Ha quoted "enviromental" reason. Aiyaah! Ini Kong Chong Ha mana belajar? This is what happen when you let a non-professional to head MOT! Was Kong Chong Ha briefed why our trains can only make limited trips to the island? It's because of diesel fumes and KTMB is too cash-strapped to provide electrified tracks...In short, it is already made known that the future trains plying S'pore-JB should be electrified trains. If it is electrified, where are the enviroment issues as mentioned by Kong Chong Ha? In fact, Kong Chong Ha (and the rest of the cabinet) should be pushing for the third bridge as this will make "the crooked bridge" a more viable option. The ball in at Kong Chong Ha's feet and he choose to pass it back to S'pore. Why are Malaysians so "unlucky" to have Kong Chong Ha as our Transport minister?

Next is KTMB land deal. Najib is again caught flat footed because he is not meticulous enough to study the deal. I wonder who are his advisers? Are these the same people who helped Malaysia lost Pulau Batu Putih? Consider these exerpts from Malaysian Insider datelined 16th September 2010 :-

1. Malaysian officials have agreed to a realistic value of the land being exchanged for the leased Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) land after their Singaporean counterparts said higher land values will incur heavier development charges in the city-state. Are Malaysian officials being led by the ear in agreeing to the land value? If Malaysian officials feel that it is justified for a more realistic value of land, then so be it! You have to pay what it's worth! Or are the officials potraying the "Malaysia boleh" attitude in agreeing to the argument presented by the Singaporeans counterpart?;
2. He (Malaysian official) confirmed that any delay on Malaysia’s part will see the KTM land revert back to Singapore under the POA without compensation or a land swap. This is one aspect that Malaysia should take note. Time is of essence and Malaysian officials could not afford to take a lacksidal approach in pushing for the land swap. Date line is 31st December 2010 which is barely three months away, Can Malaysian officials do it within that time period is the key factor. Malaysia might lost the land swap be technicality and Najib may end up looking stupid if this does not fall through. Worse still, Singapore may even hold Malaysia by the balls wih this land swap thing;
3. When both leaders last met in Putrajaya in July, they had agreed to meet again after Hari Raya Aidilfitri to settle the land swap due to a difference of opinion on the land valuation and the tenure of the land holding. Another keyword is "the tenure of the land holding". Now, if only Malaysia can reveal the name of the official in charge of this land swap deal. He should have covered all the angles and think like a developer/project manager. If a simple thing like the tenure of the land holding is not taken into account, what happen if Singapore decides that the tenure of the land holding is 20 years? or worse still 15 years? What will happen? Are we going to lose the land (swap) deal legally through technicality? No wonder, we are being laughed at left, right and center! We have clowns perusing the deals;

Tembak, tembak, tembak or rather it's hogwash all the way. On one part, we have Idris Jala openly contradicting himself by sending mixed signals on being thrifty and at the same time going on a spending spree. We have Kong Chong Ha who wanted to sound intelligent by using the word enviromental friendly when he do not even know the need of KTMB to increase their daily plying into Singapore. Our 1mPM6 is surrounded by advisers and officials who turn Malaysia into easy meat.

It will be another sad day if Idris Jala's vision of ETP is to fill someone's coffers, ready for GE 13. The ambition is there but do we have enough skilled workers to take up the challenge? Or are we going back to rely on foreign workers (yet again)? Maybe most of you did not notice or pretend not to notice but the fact is more and more foreign workers are seeping into the rural areas and worked in plantations and agri-based sector. Don't believe? Just make a short trip to Cameron Highlands and you will see Banglas farm workers complete with BN collared T-shirts! Will they be coming out to vote in GE 13? Are the farms surrounding Cameron Highlands, the estates in Perak, Pahang (and the rest) and Feldas in various states harbouring BN's safe "vote banks"?

During one of the recent open house, a friend get me smiling with his "definition" of NKRA. He asked me about NKRA and I innocently mentioned National Key Result Areas. He stopped me short and whispered "no, it's not that. NKRA stands for Najib Kerja Rosemah Arah!" Maybe what this friend said is true...if BN wants t survive GE 13, BN needs to change it's PM fast...BN needs to rid 1MPM6 as he continued blunders is bleeding the country dry...

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

Of KTMB: Getting salivated...

Update : KTMB railwayfan club posted the following :-

The Minister of Transportation will be officiating the reception of the ETS units this coming Tuesday at the old KL Railway station:

Date : 15 Disember 2009

Time : 9:15AM - 11:30AM

Location : Lobi, Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur

Date : 16th December 2009
Time : 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location : Ipoh station, Ipoh

Glorious Friday for KLites since this is the last working day of the week. It's more glorious for Selangor when today they celebrated their Sultan's birthday...another holiday.

Last night, some friendly bats echoed to me that KTMB will be showcasing their latest product line sometime next week. The date? Somewhere early next week....Venue? KTMB's heritage building...Time? Subject to Ong TK's availability.

The catch to the showcase? The latest product will not be put in service this year :) Next year, perhaps. And before the commuter users start drooling, this one is not for you, babe. This product is for the Kl-Ipoh sector...

Then, why are they showcasing the "next change" product now? I see that KTMB is not showcasing the products alone. They are taking the opportunity to parade other newbies as well. And what will that be?

Well, for one, KTMB would be happy to parade in their new Chairman in the form of Mohd Zin, former Works Minister. And since we are touching on Mohd Zin, could someone out there be gracious enough to confirm whether he is the shortest serving Works Minister of Malaysia? I mean, there is a record showing that he is the Deputy Works Minister from 2004 to 2008 before he took over Samy's post. Is he Malaysia's Minister of Works or only a year? If so, what gives? What blunder has he got himself into that forced him out of the ministerial post?

Is Ministry of Transport (MOT) making a statement that MOT is now more "senior" than the Works Ministry? I mean, if the former Works Minister is appointed as Chairman of KTMB which falls under the purview of MOT, wouldn't that clearly show that the Works Ministry is more junior than MOT?

As for other showcase, KTMB will also rolled out their new President who is rumoured to be related by marriage to 1M PM6. For a start, he has transformed KTMB by changing the post of MD to President. That's a big step forward, isn't it?

Apart from that, the President has set RM 1M profit to KTMB, far surpassing his predecessor who sets RM 1 profit. Just 1 thing though, if KTMB has been experiencing losses for years on end, to get RM 1 profit is already a breakthrough, RM 1M? Is he kidding? Is he serious in generating RM 1M profit?

I am not saying that he is incapable. He has proven in his personal life that he is more than able to juggle 2 homes at one time, so he must think that running KTMB is a breeze. One small issue that gets me confuse though, if he is aiming for RM 1M profit, then why are KTMB staffs still wearing the RM 1 profit buttons? If he really means it, then the President should be instructing his men to discard the RM 1 profit mentality...don't you agree?

Or is his RM 1M profit target a sweetener to the powers that be?

So guys and gals, watch out for KTMB's public viewing of their latest product. You can choose to watch the latest hardware or scan the new Chairman and KTMB's new President. A friendly advise to the gals...please be aware, someone might be oogling you from the stands....

As for the media savvy reporters and news chaser, use this opportunity to ask Ong TK or the Chairman or the President - what happen to the much-hyped second hand DMUs' which were recently hotly debated in parliament? Is it a go, no go or no news?

KTMB can display their latest product but in the end they must admit that their komuter services are getting from bad to worse to worse still. How much longer must the commuters suffer? I mean, literally the commuters patience are already up to their heads and they may not take it much longer. It's no use boosting of RM 1M profit when the services are just plain pure rubbish.

Before I signed off, another thing. Malaysians are well known for maximising showcases. If the new product happens to carry the VVIPs and selected passengers to a destination on that day, who is responsible? Do the new ETS has the license to operate by Department of Railways? If not, who will take the responsibility if anything happens (Touch wood, nothing happen) ? I mean we have seen Muhyiddein as a helmetless pillion rider, KJ as another helmetless motorcycle rider, 1M PM6 operating a backhoe without license. Will we see Ong TK or Mohd Zin or Aminuddin as the ETS driver without proper license?

I's not wrong to be salivated...but salivate at the right place and the right time....oh yes, before I forget, it is good advise for KTMB to make sure their toilets are properly working. You don't know what will happen especially with the Minister lately having acute stomach problems...we don't want toilet malfunction to happen, do we?

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

Of ETS : Love at first sight?

A teaser? Maybe...:)

1. A teaser? Maybe...Reality coming to Malaysian shores? Perhaps. Has it landed? Ahh...that's a Billion South Korean Won question....
2. Some may have read an earlier posting of Things to come. If you do, then you may have remembered a small picture of a covered piece of machinery. Is it heading Malaysian way? Has it landed on Malaysian shores? The answer is....well, let's side-track first...
   
3. Going into the weekend, it is better to forget about the antics of one Azhar Ibrahim in Penang State Assembly sitting, the whinning of former Malaysian CPM secretary general in Haadyai, the demonstration in Kelantan, the coming sugar price increase, the controversial BTN courses and so forth.
4. On Azhar Ibrahim, this scribe do not see the need for him to be hard-headed in refusing to offer his apology when Azhar is alledgely accussed of pointing to his buttocks in reaction to a statement from a Penang back-bencher. Maybe Azhar is a strong supporter of John Elton's "Sorry seems to be the hardest words".
5. As for the former CPM secretary general, this scribe sees that there are many other alternatives and options open to him to visit Malaysia. Why must he choose the hard way? Worse still, why must the issue be politicised? Why must the issue be highlighted in the media? He may feel that what he did was right. He may feel that he had not done anything wrong to the people of Malaysia and maybe some believe that but did he ever listen to Rod Steward's "I don't want to talk about it"?
   If I may, it is better for the former secretary general to apply for an international passport from Thailand and enter Malaysia legally to pay his homage to his ancestors (without the brou haha of the media and politicians)..Is it so difficult to do? Afterall, Thailand citizens can stay in Malaysia for at least a few weeks.

6. As for the Kelantan demonstration, this scribe has put his minds in writing and there is nothing more to add, for now. Now, it is time for me to soothe my ears with "Wau Bule"...
   
7. Sugar? We will hear more of it when the right time comes. Until then, just cut down on sugar...not because of the impending price rise but because of our love to our body and health. We need to keep in shape for the next election, don't we?
8. BTN? Honestly I see that the initial objective is noble but along the way, someone has hijacked the implementation part and turn it into a "turn over" camp. For this, this scribe feels that for future courses, it is better to have "observers" from both BN and non-BN inside the camps to ensure that BTN is tailored to implant the love for the country rather than churning out zombie-like leader-worshipping graduates.
   My reasoning is simple. If BTN is solely for the benefit of Malaysians for Malaysia, then BN or non-BN has nothing to fear. We want our youths, leaders, corporate figures to feel proud of being Malaysians and BTN maybe the remedy to our insecurities. Get corporate leaders, public and private sectors to attend BTN and let's join hands to develop Malaysia into a proud nation. And whilst we are at it, may I recommend the course fascilitators to listen to Nora's "Dipersimpangan dilema" before presenting their lectures to the participants...
   

9. Back to our posting, the double track running from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh is completed. The electrification works has also been completed. What is outstanding now is the electric train sets (ETS) or the hardware.
   
10. Rumours are saying that the first ETS trainset has landed on Malaysian shores and will be making its way to Perak soon for testing and commissioning. Watch out for the 'convoy on rails" this 5th or 6th December and you may be one of the lucky few to see the ETS. It is also said that the balance ETS trainsets will be coming soon to complete the Ipoh-KL sector fleet.
11. Unfortunately, the Minister-in-charge is too ill to make the short trip to witness the unloading of the first ETS trainset. Let's hope that, with the ETS landing, Ong TK's fortunes will be better to repel Liow TL's dreams of becoming MCA President.
12. However, let it be known that although the ETS may have landed, it is still a long way to go before it is put into service. On top of that, the ETS is not here to resolve the present komuter problems. The ETS is primarily purchased to service KL-Ipoh sector, cutting the journey to 120 minutes from KL to Ipoh. Maybe, this scribe will take the first trip together with the blogger who reveal everything swept under the carpet and unmasking the sweepers.
13. That leads us to RM 28 million question - what happens to the second hand DMU purchase? There is another round of rumour saying that the purchase has been put on hold as the commercial side of the bargain runs into dead end.
14. We need the DMU as it is one of the stop-gap options available to ease the klang valley komuter problems. What we don't need now is politicians playing god and we also dismiss attempts by agents to milk money from the Government. If it is too difficult to do, just pass us that RM 28 million and I am sure with a proper set-up, we can get the DMU in Malaysia, working to serve the commuters in no time...the problem is, there are too many "toll-collectors" lining the route. And if you add the "money changers", you can probably hear John Denver's "Living on a jet plane" buzzing in...
    
15. So, let me put a challenge again (wow, I love issuing challenges during YES ie year end sales) - why not the deputy Minister of Transport allow his political boss (hint : the man with # 1 haircut) to get his A-team (hint : Malaysia's self claimed best economics who is not a Finance Minister) to handle the funds. This scribe? I will be more than willing to handle the deal and the logistics...what say you? I just love Higgin's and Eliza's "The Rain in Spain"...
    
16. If the answer is YES - see you in Spain...:)
    

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

EMUs, DMUs'...and they think our heads are stuck in the hole?

Does MOT think our heads are in the hole?

Sheeesh. Sometimes really feel like MOT (read : the government) is taking us for another ride. Are they thinking that consumers are like emus (or ostriches)? Are they still looking at consumers like emus with their heads in the holes and unable to see through the smokescreen?

1. Ministry of Transportation (MOT) termed it as clarifying a media report on the purchase of used DMUs'.
2. It all started harmless enough when several BN backbenchers called for MACC probe into DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) decision. Their rationale for the probe :-
   • Malaysia bought the 4 20-year old DMU trains for a total of RM 30 million whilst Argentina and Costa Rica bought it at a third of the price;
   • The purchase is opposed by KTMB board;
   • Bought broken down things at higher price than other countries;
   • Did not follow specifications and regulations;
   • the top speed for DMUs' is only 80 kph compared to KTMB other trains that can attain 90 kph;
   • the aim of double tracking project is to accommodate high speed trains of up to 120 kph;
   • purchase of DMU's after KTMB has decided to switch to EMU trains(Electric multiple units);
   • is KTMB ready to maintain the 4 DMUs;

3. In MOT's clarification, MOT partly replied :-
   • Issues raised was not accurate;
   • the cost is EURO 1.492 million (RM 7.57M) for 2 passenger coach units compared to EURO 2.0 million (RM 10.15M) paid by Costa Rica for similar units;
   • purchase of used-DMUs' was to overcome shortage of trains for commuter service in the Klang valley;

4. Let's do some 2+2 analysis together :-
   • There is no discrepancy in purchase price. MOT (read : Government)/KTMB bought the 4 DMU trains for a total of RM 30.2M;
   • KTMB runs on metre gauge track whilst Costa Rica runs on narrow gauge. For the uninitiated, that means KTMB's track is 1000 mm wide whilst Costa Rica track is 1067 mm wide. How can MOT consider this as similar? How can you compare a 1 ton truck to a 5 ton truck?;
   • If the purchase is opposed by KTMB board, then who approve the purchase? MOT or MOF or DOR (Department of Railway)? It has been long said that KTMB is only the end-user of the rail services whilst all assets belongs to DOR. And if MOT is the one who do the purchasing, who advises MOT whether this is a feasible and good purchase? Is it done by open tender or by way of negotiated proposal? Did the purchaser (MOT/MOF/DOR/KTMB) express their intention to purchase used-DMUs' and invite interested parties to submit their proposals? If not, why not?;
   • It is a serious matter when the backbenchers termed the used-DMUs as broken down things. What drives them to say so? How broken is broken? Do the DMUs' needs major repairs? Do they need to be re-fitted? If they do, who do the re-fitment - the seller or the purchaser?
   • it is also equally serious when the backbenchers claim that it does not follow specifications and regulations. Whose specifications and whose regulations? How does one expects for specifications to be fulfilled if one buys a used-product?
   • the DMU top speed is 80 kph. Looking at the existing stations interval, how do you accelerate to more than 80 kph before slowing down and gradually stopping at the next station (normal interval of 5 minutes?). Wouldn't it be straining to the engine to be revved up for maximum speed then braking for stop at next station? What about wear and tear? Given the circumstances, one has to make do with 80 kph trains for short distance travelling;
   • although the double tracking project is to accomodate to high speed trains, but as mentioned earlier the wear and tear factor should also be taken into account. KTMB can use high speed trains for express EMUs covering KL-Ipoh sector, Seremban-KL-Ipoh sector. As for the rest, normal EMUs (existing stock) can meet the demands;
   • is KTMB ready to maintain the 4 DMUs? That is a good question. Is KTMB ready? Where will the depot be? What about the spares and parts? Is these the first DMUs maintained by KTMB? Will the maintenance crew fully utilisised by just 4 DMUs? What about the failure rate (record from seller?);

5. Let's go a step further. Since this scribe is nocturnal, by nature, some bats echoes concern on :-
   • Initially there were a total of 60 EMUs' available for KTMB. After some years of operation, some of these EMUs' were write off and victims of cannibalism (KTMB do practise cannabalism (on parts), don't they?), only around 30EMUs' are service worthy. What are the plans for the 30 or so stranded EMUs'? Will MOT/DOR/KTMB write them off?;
   • in one of the first visits by the present Transport Minister, he promised that the company engaged to rehabilitate the EMUs' will complete the works on time. What happens? Mr Minister, sir - is the works completed? If not, what are the actions taken against the contractor? If yes, why did KTMB has to resort to changing the komuter schedule?
   • talking about the komuter schedule, initially the service interval is every 15 minutes. Then, due to the frequent delays and technical glitches (read : no EMUs'), the service interval is re-timed for every 20 minutes (that was a few months back). Now, it is believed to be every 30 minutes. Is this what they call as "people first, performance now"?
   • again, stretching on the service intervals, somebody in KTMB is not sensitive to consumer needs. Just imagine - they have shuttle service from Port Klang to KL Sentral in the morning BUT the shuttle service in the evening is from KL Station to Shah Alam only. What is the rationale behind this?
     
   • on the "early bird" service from Port Klang to Sentul, the new time-table indicated that the first train departs Port Klang at 5:35 am. The next train (happens to be shuttle train) departs from Jalan Kastam at 5:54 am. The third train (normal) is at 6:05 am. How insensitive of KTMB! Don't they know that the "Subuh" azan is at approximately 5:45 am? How do you expert Muslims at Port Klang to catch the first train or the second train out? As a remedy, may this sribe propose that (if KTMB needs to keep to the timing/scheduling), to re-category the first 3 trains out start from Port Klang on normal stops? This will take care of all the passengers at all stops/stations from Port Klang to board this early trains. KTMB can then start the "shuttle service" from 6:30 am onwards. The same goes for other sectors as well. If the planners do not know how to kowtim this, they can always call on the transport planners to help out. If they cannot find the planners, komuter consumers are willing to help out;
   • why buy 4 DMUs'? Will these 4 DMUs' solve the problem? Or is this an ad-hoc decision to capitalise on 1MPM6's Najib's first stimulus package? By logic (using Mydin analogy), the more you buy, the cheaper is the unit price. Maybe buying 8 DMUs' will be cheaper (unit price) than buying 4 DMUs'. Why 8? It is believed that there are 17 available used-DMUs for sale. Buying 8 (or 50 %) will give MOT/DOR/KTMB a better deal as well as give the end-users the option to choose the used-DMUs'. We don't want MOT/DOR/KTMB to buy scrap iron, do we?;
   • What are the terms of S & P? Does it cover shipping them to Malaysia? Is it FCA, FOB, FAS, FIO, "as is where is" condition? This is important too because it might cost MOT/DOR/KTMB another RM 1M for shipping the used-DMUs' to Malaysia.
     
   • if we were to literally take MOT's clarification, then the 4 used-DMUs are meant for Klang valley sector. Geographically, does that mean these 4 used-DMUs are purchased to serve Sentul-Port Klang sector?
   • on the age of used-DMUs - it is also mentioned that the DMUs' are 20 years old. Can someone clarify - are these engines enviromental-friendly ie green engines? If yes, fine. If not, are non-enviromental-friendly engines acceptable? We are already facing the smog and smoke- will these DMUs contribute more smog significantly? Do these engines have spare parts available? Are these engines still in production or obsolete? If obsolete, then what are the guarantee given on their performance and lifetime?
   • back to the maintenance crew. Is this a ploy for the seller (or agent) to milk more money from KTMB? Does the purchase agreement include maintenance service/coverage? If not, why? Who will do the maintenance? Are the spare parts available in the market or is it monopolise by the seller?
   • by the way - are these engines tropicalised ie made to bear our heat and humidity? We don't want an eskimo getting burnt in the equatorial belt, do we?
   • it is also believed that KTMB sentul depot is getting smaller by the day, no thanks to YTL's ambitous Sentul east/west project. Where is the depot for these DMUs'? Sentul is too small and congested now. Tg Malim is not in Klang valley. Anyone has an inkling?
   • who is the supplier/Malaysian agent of this used-DMUs'? What is their track record? Are they punctual in delivery? Are they technically capable? Are they reliable?
   • Is the DMU manufacturer still operating? We don't want another case of closed-down manufacturing plant like that of existing komuter, do we?
     

6. Sheeesh. Sometimes really feel like MOT (read : the government) is taking us for another ride. Are they thinking that consumers are like emus (or ostriches)? Are they still looking at consumers like emus with their heads in the holes and unable to see through the smokescreen?
7. Kudos to the backbenchers who raise the questions on DMUs'. No doubt MOT reply the queries but the answers are vague. An answer is not an answer until it has satisfactorily explain and lay down all the bare facts. Answering for the sake of answering is pure rubbish.
   
8. Hoping that MOT will come up with better and more comprehensive answers. In short, Mr Minister sir, please do your homework unless you want us to give you an F (failing grade) and kick your butts off in GE 13.
   

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

Lobbying for job directly to 1M PM6 Najib...

Whilst some are busy campaigning in Bagan Pinang, let's get loose and think about public transportation system...afterall, some need a break from Bagan Pinang's hectic campaign schedules and rising food cost...

Nice strategy, beamed directly from Paris, France.

Taking advantage of 1M PM6 Najib's official 4 day visit to France, an Electrical Engineering student believed that his Malaysian peers (in France) and him can improve the Malaysian's transportation system. His selling point? Two years ago he had conducted a study on public transportation operated by RapidPenang.

This is what I termed as selling oneself as a product. Nothing wrong there, at least this guy has an innovative idea to secure a job back in Malaysia once he graduated from his study in France. Better still, he may end up as one of the fourth floor boys in the PM's department.

However, I see that his proposal is limited to Penang. If this person can offer himself to solve Penang transportation system, why not open up UTM to resolve JB's public transportation system, UiTM to resolve Shah Alam/Klang public transportation system with UM tackling KL's transportation system? Maybe, there is a grain of chance by giving these young upstarts the exposure they need to showcase their innovative design and skills in solving the many public transportation headache of major cities in Malaysia.

Back in mid 80's when recession hit our shores, young graduates were roped in and placed in various government departments for training and paid an allowance of roughly RM 600 per month. Some of these graduates became "shadow cabinet" of state administration, offering ideas and suggestions on various fields. Of course, their novel ideas were not fully accepted by the "establishment" who are more concern of protecting their interest than serving the state and the nation.

Since Najib is willing to listen, why not provide grants to our local universities so that they can come up with possible solutions to our never-ending public transportation system. Consider these :-

1. What is the rationale of extending Kelana Jaya LRT line now from Lembah Subang – Kelana Business Centre, through Subang, USJ, Alam Megah and ending at the hub in Putra Heights?. The proposed line will consist of 13 new stations and approximately 17km of guideway.
2. What is the rationale of extending Ampang LRT line now from the present Sri Petaling station, passing through Puchong, Kinrara and ending at the hub in Putra Heights? The proposed line will consist of 13 new stations and approximately 17.7km of guideway.
3. Not only both extensions will cost a lot of money but will also include land acquistion and new trainsets. Are we ready to spend mega? Instead of extending the lines, the government should first solve the problems faced by thousands of komuters users daily plying Rawang - Seremban and Sentul - Port Klang routes.
4. The authorities could not claim ignorance on this issue as it has been raised countless times in the newspapers and also in this blog. Do any of the officers from DOR, KTMB, Prasarana, MOT ever tried komuter services? If not, you guys who have relatives working in any of these so-called departments should urge them to try the komuter service (at peak hour operation).
5. And since a relative of Rosmah is currently the third spouse of KTMB's top echelon leader, why not get the good doctor to try KTMB's service for a change (instead of chasing after beautiful "skirt wearers")
6. What about RapidKL services? Have anyone tried their services in KL Sentral? Just imagine how many buses RapidKL provided for their VIP customers using route 82? Do these buses provide the services to Malaysian office workers or are they providing cheap transport to the many foreign workers in Damansara?
7. Kl monorail services? Is somebody monitoring their deteriorating services? The frequency of "technical glitches" between stations is increasing. Is this signs of wear and tear? Or is it signs of poor maintenance? Signs of bad workmanship and sub-standard equipments, perhaps?
8. Puduraya bus terminal? Honestly, I have not been there for a while. Remind me to make a trip there before I can provide my comments....
9. Hentian Putra? Is it acceptable to have long queus of buses along the external road? Isn't this a safety hazard? What about the poor ventillation at the counters? It's stuffy inside the terminal.
   
10. The new bus terminal at Bandar Tasik Selatan? My first impression is wow!!! That's all but look at it this way - how will the komuter service cope with the passenger load boarding from Bandar Tasik Selatan? How will STAR line cope with the expected increase passenger load?
11. ERL service? Has anyone lodge an official complain on the possible safety hazard on the platform? I mean, imagine a 140 kph ERL whizzing through the platform and the waiting passengers have no safet guardrails to protect them from "incidentally" suck in. Is this the best YTL-ERL can do? Any comment from our guy in MOT? DOR?
12. Klang bus station? Or is it the ever nostalgic "Toshiba" bus stand? Why isn't the place upgraded? It is still heaty waiting for the busses there...
13. What about the "unofficial" bus stand in front of Pudu Raya? Has any so-called hardworking official or politician noticed the discomfort facing those waiting their bus to go home to Puncak Alam or Sungei Buloh? No seating, no shade - it is testing time, indeed...
14. The bus stop near Pasar seni area? Observe how the buses revved their engines as if they are ready to go...only to move inches at a time. Waiting time for metro buses and Sri Jaya buses? 5 minutes (at least) before the buses departed for the next stop.
15. And I am not touching the taxi services yet...
    

This is an SOS on our public transportation system. Much can be done but the relevant people are dragging their feet in solving the issues. Why? Because they are not public transport users. They are mostly car users who enjoy the comfort of air-cond cars, driving alone to their respective offices. Is this why the government failed to implement car-pooling system? Just because these guys are using their own transport to work (alone), they will delay (and most probably shoot down the idea of) car-pooling for their own benefit.

More can be said about this but who cares? Do you think Najib cares when he has the luxury of traffic policemen escort with sirens wailing? Do you think Ong TK and his band of merry-men from MOT, DOR, Prasarana cares? The answer - Najib don't care, Ong TK don't bother to care...unless the public transportation solution brings opportunities for mega-quick bucks projects.

Let us be open on this. I am not against the proposal of LRT extension line per se. What I am objecting is the timing and the priority. Why should we invest on extending the lines when our present public transportation system is still wanting? Shouldn't we be fixing the existing problems first before venturing into extending the lines or introducing new services? This is public money that we are talking about. Why not use it wisely to buy the needed hardware for the peoples' comfort or at least until the services are punctual? Remember that our productivity will be affected if the public transportation is lousy. Imagine the number of workers arriving late at workplaces and getting home dead tired because of poor public transport system.

If a friendly blogger boast his capability to predict share trading, maybe I too can lobby the job to solve the public transportation problems facing Malaysia. Will Najib give me the 1chance to prove my worth? Frankly I doubt it because my "political" involvement is not to 1M PM6's standard...However, I the practical and ever pragmatic Nightcaller believe that I can do the job better- much better than the so-called henchmen heading the respective GLCs' connected to Malaysian public transportation system. And for 1M PM6 Najib's information, I will not cost a bomb like the so many fortune seekers surrounding him. The choice is his, either to go for practical solutions or forever surrounded by henchmen hungry to chip away the goldmines in public transportation system.

By the way, if Najib can spend 4 days to officially tour France and Muhyiddein can spend most of this week wooing BN's Bagan Pinang "golden sons", I can provide 1 day guided tour of existing Malaysian public transportation system to Ong TK. And I will forego the normal charges of guide fees if Ong TK, the Mechanical Engineer, is willing to experience first hand the trappings of Malaysian public transportation system.

As proof of my capability in solving public transportation system (and dispensing off traffic jams), I can almost guarantee that I am confident of resolving the traffic problems in Bagan Pinang within 1 week. Yes, I can solve the Bagan Pinang traffic snarl by 12th October 2009. Why? You still don't believe ah????

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

KTMB : MOT appoints, RUM picket...anything else?

Unfortunately for Abd Razak, his appointment as KTMB's MD is oppossed by Lim Ah Lek, Chairman of KTMB. And for those who did not recall Lim Ah Lek, he is the sworn nemesis of Ling "fish head curry" Liong Sik. Lim, it is said, decided to quit his Chairman's post in protest and will only return to assume the post once Abd Razak vacated the MD's post. Kind of deja vu ala Perak's Sultan Idris and Ghazali Jawi, isn't it?

1. KTMB (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad) managed to get my attention, again, this week. It seems that KTMB is going into an endless downward spin since the resignation of the former MD, the guy who celebrate his birthday on the same date as our Merdeka. No prize for guessing the correct name, okay?
   
2. Since 1st September 2008 or thereabout, KTMB has been helmed by Abd Razak, former Freight GM. Frankly, he has fresh ideas on how to turn around KTMB. And of course, being an old hand in KTMB, he had some scores to settle with his many GMs' too.
3. Unfortunately for Abd Razak, his appointment as KTMB's MD is oppossed by Lim Ah Lek, Chairman of KTMB. And for those who did not recall Lim Ah Lek, he is the sworn nemesis of Ling "fish head curry" Liong Sik. Lim, it is said, decided to quit his Chairman's post in protest and will only return to assume the post once Abd Razak vacated the MD's post. Kind of deja vu ala Perak's Sultan Idris and Ghazali Jawi, isn't it?
4. You see, our government has this special unwritten arrangement whereby KTMB's chairman must be from MCA. For further confirmation, please refer to Ong "PKFZ's minister" TK. However, due to this complication, Mohd Isa is now the acting Chairman.
   
5. Barely a year on the job, Razak has been informally informed that his tenure will not be extended. His last day shall be on 31st July 2009, 1 month short of 1 year's service, courtesy of Lim Ah Lek.
6. So, here comes the crunch. Who get's the MD's post? For the past few months, it has been srongly established that since there might be too many fractions in KTMB's management, Ministry of Transport (MOT) has decided to opt for a KTMB outsider to lead. Few names has been floated around.
   
7. As late as middle June, the person who will most likely head KTMB is said to be linked to YTL's Express Rail Link (ERL). ERL's CEO, perhaps? Then the bombshell...
8. Railway Union of Malaya (RUM) threathened to hold a picket on 29th June 2009 against the appointment of Sarbini Tijan as the acting KTMB MD. Does this mean that the "man from ERL" is out of running?
   
9. KTMB should be concentrating on how to improve its service. It's komuter trains are still experiencing delays and it's hybrid trains are still ineffective. Some coaches run without proper HVAC system. Instead, the minister, the ministry, KTMB's BOD, KTMB's management and RUM is playing dangerous politics. Worse, it is at the consumers' expense!
10. Whatever it is, MOT should place the consumers' comfort as their priority in KTMB's service. It is not a matter of juggling names and positions, what more when KTMB is a semi-government agency. This is not a matter of placating to 1M PM6's wish to have people from private sectors to run GLCs'. The minister concerned should be looking more into the capability and the experience of the person who shall be leading KTMB. A PHd holder he may be, but a miracle performer he is not. A CEO he is, but a prime mover he is not.
11. KTMB is not similar to ERL. KTMB is made up of many divisions, departments and deals with various type of customers. It does not monopolise the routes and it is not working under government's favouritism. You see, for those using ERL, the passengers are paying RM 35 for a one way trip between KL Sentral and KLIA. On top of that, it was previously mentioned that, a portion of the airline ticket goes to ERL. That's favouritism.
12. KTMB, on the other hand, is working on subsidies and restrictions. In short, KTMB is definitely not government's favourite child. KTMB has not raise its fares since ages ago and its freight service, which also happen to be its most profitable arm, has its fees capped to cater YTL cement, Robert's CSR and others. That is the state of KTMB today. They could not expand further because all their capital expenditures are controlled by the government and they could not have the best pricing in double tracking project because the government prefers to nominate the contractors, one of them is MMC-Gamuda JV. Who is in Gamuda's BOD? That is the predicament of KTMB...
13. However, whatever shortcomings faced by KTMB, it should take that as a challenge to provide better and more efficient service. To do so, all the relevant parties should reach a consensus, acceptable to all. I call for the MD, if there is a need to change the present MD, to be selected from the current crop of existing GMs'. This is to ensure continuity and better understanding of the problems facing KTMB's operations. Importing one from outside is not the solution, rather it would be adding more problems to the already many problems straddling KTMB.
14. 1M PM6 can talk what he wants about integrating private sectors to GLCs'. If he wants to do that, he can start with appointing one at Khazanah or any proven cash cows and see their performance. But not at KTMB which is already in ICU condition due to the continual ineptness of past and present Transport Ministers.
15. For a start, KTMB needs a dose of performance enhanced injection. Staffs at all levels should be combining their resources, abilities to brainstorm the best ways to move KTMB forward whilst the Minister, MOT and the rest should lay their hands off KTMB, the government's GLCs' unwanted child.
16. Whilst I am at it, 1M PM6 should be advising his partner to reduce prolific speeches in boosting nurseries and permatas everywhere when there are plenty of rumours going around on how the partner treat (badly/disown) her own flesh and blood. They use to say that "leadership by example", so it is time for 1M PM6 to lead by example. Can he lead a good example? Because someone used to say too that "charity begins at home"...because sometimes you have to act cruel to be kind.
    
17. For some, hero-worshipping is the way to survive. Others heap praises to the leaders to enter their good books. A few grease their way into the "inner circle" whilst the rest prefer to stay out of the circle altogether. Which one is you?
18. KTMB and 1M PM6. 2 different subjects but entwined, due to fate and timing. We have to take the bulls by its horns and this is no spanish bull we are talking about. It is just a malaysian bull, small and timid but a bull nonetheless.
    
19. Will KTMB moves forward post Razak's era or will it keep spiraling down? Will 1M PM6 lead by example now that hopes of the unity government is dashed? Time will tell and only KTMB and 1M PM6 can decide their own fate and choose their own path...right or wrong, decision must be made. Me? I am just glad that I do not have to made that decision...
    

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are... Read More

KTMB : The sauna within...

Passengers let off at Pantai Dalam

1. Months before Najib Tun Razak took over from Tun Abdullah as Malaysia's PM and introduce the 1 Malaysia concept, KTMB has already been frothing about their 1 concept. No ! it's not 1 Malaysia nor is it 1 KTMB. It is RM 1 yearly profit.
2. That, my friends, is the real situation facing the present KTMB. When other GLC's are projecting profits in millions or billions of RM, KTMB MD see it fit for KTMB to go for RM 1 profit.
3. And how KTMB staffs are reminded towards achieving their goal, or is it their KPI? By pinning the RM 1 profit target on their uniforms.
4. Having said that, why is KTMB targetting RM 1 profit? The answer is simple. KTMB MD is not confident of its outfit's performance. Not because of lack of professionalism because KTMB has ample able bodies, well qualified personnel.
5. The thing that let down KTMB is its fleet of trains, locomotives and comuter trains. Their intercity trains are infamous for being late to such an extent that being punctual is a bonus!
6. Their locomotives and freight trains are efficient and is a real workhorse but the Government capped its charge rates, making its freight services operating at nominal profit. Some may ask, Who is the recipient of KTMB's cheap freight services? For the answer, we do not have to travel far..just follow the track to the corporation who cheated KTMB of its quarters and lands in Sentul. That's one of them whilst the second is the sweet taste of sugar, transported from Penang to KL and Johor.
   
7. Commuter trains? Ah...that's my favourite since I personally experience the agony of commuter travel and all is my fault. Reading that there is an ongoing book fair in PWTC, I decided to drop in the exhibition, leaving my trusted car in one of the stations, and travel using the commuter train.
8. The trip to KL is ok, but my 6.14 pm commuter train from Putra is a journey hard to forget. When the train reached Bank Negara, the seats are all taken and by the time it reached KL Sentral, the train is sardine packed. The air cond is not working well and the stuffiness is getting to one's nerves.
9. When the train left Angkasapuri, the engine gone dead and just glided to Pantai Dalam. Then, the announcement "The train will end its service in Pantai Dalam and are requested to alight the train". Imagine a full load of commuter train passengers in Pantai Dalam! Some decided to stay back in the train, a sauna of sweats and stuffiness for some 20 minutes before making their way out.
10. By 8.10 pm, some of those passengers are still waiting at Pantai Dalam. That's the state of affairs of KTMB commuter services, ferrying passengers from Seremban to KL and Rawang whilst another line transport the passengers from Port Klang to KL to Sentul.
11. I tried to reason out of possible alternative in this particular situation. Given that KTMB is running short of commuter trains for them to despatch a reeplacement commuter trains to start its service from Pantai Dalam onwards, why can't KTMB traffic controllers end 1 commuter train service at KL Sentral (from Port Klang) and send the train straight back to Pantai Dalam to pick up the passengers? Do KTMB has decision makers in traffic controller section? Someone who is innovative, creative and pro-active in face of these crisis?
12. On casual chatting with the passengers, it seems that the passengers are resigned to breakdowns, malfunction air conds, delays (some up to 40 or 60 minutes), packed trains.
    
13. Remember when Tun AAB took commuter train ride from Bangi (or is it Sri Kembangan)? Tun AAB promised that he will look into the matter and improve KTMB's service. That was 2 years ago...nothing positive happens since then. Maybe, this time, Rosmah Mansor should try taking commuter train from Putra to Bangi. I bet her make up will go cuckoo and she will not be happy being pushed and shoved from KL Sentral onwards...provided that she did not use her burly bodyguards.
14. Remember the time when Ong Tee Keat sounded off KTMB contractors for being late in delivering the overhaul commuter trains. What happen now? Are the trains overhauled as per schedule? Are they late? If late, why? And what is the solution?
15. The Government has just announce or about to announce a new Kelana Jaya - Putra height line for LRT? When is the government going to announce new acquisition of commuter trains? Isn't the government commited in improving the public transportation? And isn't commuter passengers deserve more commuter trains?
16. Is there any short term solution? Like using coaches during peak hours? Or leasing commuter trains or DMU's from others?
17. Is KTMB satisfied in folding their hands to see thesufferings of the commuter passengers? Has the MD tried using the service from Putra to Klang? Or from Putra to Bangi? What about the other GMs?
18. And that is only on commuter trains. I have not touched on the crime rate in commuter stations car parks. What about cars stolen? Snatch thefts? What is KTMB going to do about that?
19. Apparently, KTMB is a sauna within. It is not only hot in commuter trains bit is is also hot outside. KTMB needs to get its act together. And to get the act together, KTMB MD need not shift its GMs around. What he needs is the hardware. And to do that, he has to ask, beg, "steal" from the Government so that more commuter trains will be available for KTMB.

KTMB may not be achieving its RM 1 profit this year. Even if it does, I might ask for that RM 1 for the sufferings and losses of commuter passengers due to its continual delays, insufficient commuter trains. If MAS can give free meals for any delays of more than 2 hours, can't KTMB offer free mineral water bottled drinks for delays and commuter trains breakdowns.

Fruits for thoughts, maybe?

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are...

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