Small sacrifice for greater benefit

I refer to your report “PM: We have to sacrifice” (Star, Mar 1).

The 20% increase in petrol price will definitely hurt the people, especially those from the lower income group. It would aggravate their hardship further when unscrupulous businessmen take advantage to increase prices of essential goods as well.The rakyat will definitely welcome the statement by the Prime Minister,Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that the estimated annual saving of RM4.4bil in fuel subsidy will be spent to improve the public transport system which is in a state of chaos in most towns and cities.

I am sure the people would not mind the sacrifice if only it would go to spare the lives of their loved ones on our roads. In this endeavor I am syre the rakyat will be solidly behind the prime minister.

The only demand by the rakyat is, the money saved should be spent prudently for what is intended. I’m sure this request by the people is not unreasonable. Misuse of the funds at federal, state and local council levels as well as in many government agencies must be checked.

The number of deaths from road accidents, approximately 6,000 per year, is unacceptable by any standards. The number of vehicles on our roads must be reduced if we want to reduce the accident rate to a realistic level.

Improving the public transport system in all towns is a definite way to reduce traffic woes. Unfortunately, public transport is not popular because it is not efficiently managed.It must be improved to encourage its use.

For a start,the government should revamp and reorganize the bus services, both within and between the various towns and cities. A federal and state level task force, comprising experts on the ground, should be set up to draw up comprehensive plans for this project.

Other mega projects,costing billions of ringgit,can be considered later as long term measures, after implementing an efficient and reliable bus transport system.

Dr.Chris Anthony