Chin Tong Slams Wee Over Public Transport Policies

---

 
Johor DAP chief Liew Chin Tong said a failed public transport system had resulted in Malaysia becoming the eighth most dangerous country to drive in.PETALING JAYA: Johor DAP chief Liew Chin Tong has lambasted transport minister Wee Ka Siong for his poor policy-making in alleviating traffic congestion in the country.
He was commenting on two statements made by Wee, firstly, that there were too many vehicles on the road and that the government was considering increasing fares for public transport.
“These are good reasons for me to doubt his policy-making thought processes,” he said on Facebook.
Liew said the government should heavily fund and subsidise different modes of public transport, especially buses, so that Malaysians would choose to use them over their own cars and motorcycles.
“More bus service routes and more buses should be provided, not just to connect the rail systems in the Klang Valley but also to be the major mode of transport in various cities and towns across the country,” he said.
Liew also highlighted seven challenges faced by Malaysia’s public transport system, including inadequate coverage, low reliability and poor connectivity which led to its underutilisation.
He also said the rail system comprising the LRT, MRT and monorail was mainly concentrated in the Klang Valley.
Liew said a failed public transport system had led to Malaysia becoming the eighth most dangerous country to drive in, and the government having to fork out a larger amount for fuel subsidy to combat surges in global fuel prices.
“Under Budget 2022, RM30 billion was originally allocated for total subsidies. It has now ballooned to nearly RM71 billion, with subsidies for fuel alone costing up to RM30 billion,” said Liew. - FMT

---