Bullet train to Singapore

July 7, 2006

Restore rail transport

I refer to your report “Bullet train to Singapore: From KL in 90 minutes”(NST July 5).

It is indeed a fantastic idea to develop such a fast train service between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It would greatly enhance trade and growth of the economy on both sides. However the problems of such a mega project should not overlooked. Recent experiences with the crooked bridge should be lesson for us.

An in-depth study should be undertaken by all concerned before embarking on this project. Special attention must be paid to its effects on environment, dislocation of residents and cost. It should not be built for sake of glory and megalomania but rather for the benefit of the rakyat.
In this regards, it is also timely to consider re-establishing the rail service to all major towns in the peninsula. This is I feel more urgent than the bullet train to Singapore.

In the sixties to the eighties, rail transport used to be very convenient, cheap and safe mode of transport for the people as it connected even many small towns over the length and breadth of the peninsula. In fact in the late eighties this was further improved to become faster and more efficient in the form of the express rakyat. There were even frequent railcar services between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh.

It used to be such a pleasant experience to travel by train as it took you through the natural scenery of remote Malaysia. I’m sure it would be major attraction for tourists as well.
Unfortunately today rail transport has deteriorated to the extent of being almost non-existent. People have since resorted to cars and buses so much so our roads are now choked with motor vehicles. Accidents are on the rise and have become a major killer in Malaysia. Pollution from these vehicles too has become a cause of worry.

There is an urgent need to re-established one of our past glories, the train service to become a major form of transport for the person that is cheap, reliable, pleasant and above all safe.

Dr.Chris Anthony