KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — On 3 December, two deputy Prime Ministers and 25 Ministers were sworn in before the Malaysia King, symbolising the start of their public duty in the Unity Government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Besides receiving the reports from their relevant departments and listening to briefings from staff, one of the newly appointed ministers, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, who heads the transport ministry decided to go the extra mile.
Mr Loke shared on his Facebook that he spent two hours yesterday evening (5 Dec) observing the real situation of the Rapid KL’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) during the peak hours between 5 pm and 7 pm, without being accompanied by media and top officers.
“The condition in the train was quite cramped and definitely uncomfortable for the passengers.” wrote Mr Loke.
He said he did not inform the LRT’s top management Prasarana and the media as he wanted to experience the actual situation himself, like how ordinary commuters feel and have to go through every day.
“I understand the inconvenience faced by the LRT commuters. I will hold a meeting with Prasarana’s top management this week to discuss the direction and ways to improve our public transportation system,” he added.
Netizen praise Minister Loke for “keeping feet on the ground”
Following Mr Loke’s post, many netizens commented and praised him for willing to understand the actual situation on the ground, not just merely reading reports prepared by his staff.
Netizen Brandon Wong wrote on Loke’s FB:
“Without doubt, the best people minister who really care about how normal ordinary people work and suffered day in day out commuting using public services. Proud and salute YB. Thanks for taking care of people.”
Netizen Shamsurizam Norsham commented that this is the kind of minister who are concerned about the people’s daily struggle, taking action to discuss and seek solutions.
“So for those anyhow commenting, you understand… these ministers have moved on, what for you still want to talk about something backward?”
There were also netizens commenting to give suggestions to the transport minister and discuss other solutions to improve the public transport system with less burden on cost.
Wilson Chew wrote: ” YB, I believe mini buses are the way to go now. Getting them in thousands is better to build another permanent line which is fixed and choked. Mini buses routes can be changed according to needs. ”
But another netizen Muhammad Afham pointed out that acquiring minibuses is one thing, but those bus drivers need to be recruited and trained too.
Others also joined in the discussion, explaining that the LRT is still a more efficient transport system, considering the heavy jam on Kuala Lumpur roads and minibus could worsen the road congestion, not to mention the air pollution.
