Former Penang state transport engineer Lim Thean Heng has written a piece asking why the Penang state government seems so obsessed with having an elevated LRT system.
Check out these articles in Aliran:
What’s with the Penang government’s obsession with LRT, former state transport engineer asks
Economist Dr Lim Mah Hui argues that the Penang state government hasn’t really considered alternatives to the LRT.
Reconsider Penang LRT: Consider better, cheaper, faster options
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It is ok for the state government to be ‘obsessed’ with LRT because it will bring benefits to Penangites.
I hope the fuel prices will be raised in stages by removing subsidy and channel the money towards public transportation. Those who wish to drive can pay to enjoy their car obsession.
There are other more affordable options than an expensive overhead LRT system, which is rarely found in cities in developed nations. First we need to work on improving the bus network and first-and-last mile connectivity. This is what Singapore did, long before it started its MRT system.
We have only 200-300 buses in service in the whole of Penang state, whereas Singapore has 5,000-6,000.
Part 1 – If is using buses, it will not be comfortable. Some buses jerked, Seniors and Ah Lians thinking they are in the ocean. Due to jams, when they arrived, they arrived almost together. But passengers cant wait longer and sardine pack into which ever bus arrived. Ask our Tung land. He took once and return back to his 4 wheel drive. The bus driver has to wait for 20 passengers or more to pay the fares before the bus can move. Driver take how much time to issue car.
People went Genting Highlands theme park to ride on those roller coaster to get jerk and shake. So similar experience on public bus why must complain?
Complain because you have not taken a bus and roller coaster ride. Roller coaster do not jerk. They do not go, brake and stop. Buses have to stop and go in the traffic jam or avoid hitting a cat and worse if heavily load or uphill. Roller coaster travel in a fast speed and then slow down to a full stop. In some road where there is a bend, every goes sanget with the bus.
Seniors in rock n roll era like Shake, Rattle and Roll. Don’t underestimate them.
Buses has to share the road with pedestrians, dogs and cats, trucks, cars, bicycles and kapcais and their chances will be slim if hit. But LRT is fast and smooth ride and arrived at the destination on and in time within 5 minutes ideal for workers who wants more personal time. American traffic consultant Berger tell Singapore PM LKY to increase buses but he teared up and implement the MRT and now the network has increased. Buses are good in secondary roads or non stop express
If cannot handle shake and Rattle, then settle for Rock Me Gently:
Rock me gently
Rock me slowly
Take it easy
Don’t you know
That I have never been
Loved like this before
I think Anil knows this song.
Many Penangites still have social ego concern not to take RapidPenang as they don’t want to be perceived to be in the same cluster as the less privileged and the foreign labourers.
Not sure Aliran can address this or just overlook it?
I dont think Singaporeans have much an ego problem in using their buses, irrespective of their social status.
Migrant workers will take bus. Ah Lians for their safety will not take that bus. Mata cant do their patrol on the bus but they can if it is a LRT. In fact mata will can orso take LRT to work, home or area they are patrol and gets free ride and save transport money. Here is still a divided nation with 2Rs.
Singaporeans too have ego, except the PAP knows how to suppress it with the instrument called COE (Certificate of Entitlement) – a piece of paper now costing S$100,000 that one must successfully bidded before purchasing a car.
We have ART operating for sometime. Yet no one comment on it. Very disappointed as will it be the future transport or not?
To encourage more foot traffic on road, there should be less heavy vehicles like buses. Who is afraid of the mini but afraid of a big bus hitting a pedestrians. China is having EV buses and they are not polluting in smoke, heat and sound. No one can hear the EV bus passing and pedestrians may be unaware until they get hit
better transport – more productivity. can reach home sweet home on time and see family and not sitting in the buses, cars, burning petrol money, polluting the sky,get sick and earth die faster. Have time for exercise, badminton and met friends in kopi tiams, char keow toew, one ton mee or ok – karaoke and return home in time. Spender – happy, LRT happy and kopi tiam orso happy.
How many hours a typical Malaysian stuck in traffic jam in a year?
Penang LRT is long overdue.
Now roads around schools also jammed!
Cannot take bas sekolah?
If you don’t start young taking bus, unlikely will take bus when grown up.
LRT is not MRT.
It is small enough for Penang commuters.
The world’s first theme park devoted to the Dragon Ball universe of comics, movies, and games will be built in Saudi Arabia, the franchise owner said on Friday.
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/culture/2024/03/22/world039s-first-039dragon-ball039-theme-park-to-be-built-in-saudi-arabia
This will not happen in Malaysia due to hypersensitivity towards foreign culture including manga.
The latest passion in Malaysia is boycotting. Many derive pleasure boycotting this and that.
Obsessed with boycotting.
Over 100 KFC outlets have temporarily closed across the country following boycotts which have run for about six months now.
https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/04/1044078/over-100-kfc-outlets-temporarily-closed-due-ongoing-boycott
JCorp rugi?
[Fast food] chicken pieces get smaller while the price keep going up. RM10 cannot get you any snack plate. Even without the boycotting, many also shun [fast food chicken] due to the little value it offers.
In large-scale capitalism run by directors and franchises, this is common. We have wide range of local chicken dishes that are superior and cheaper. We only need to undo the propaganda (brainwashing) in our heads.
Now Chinese food are cooked by 60s to 70s old. Soon we have to eat mamak as young chinese are all with degree holders especially from MCA linked unis. Now many chinese food are cooked by Burmese
Saudi Arabia to Participate in Miss Universe
https://youtube.com/watch?si=dmkJgkqdcuNR36xm&v=Ck0j9xE-E4Y&feature=youtu.be
Malaysia’s M-Pop group DOLLA as appeared in recent China’s “Show It All” TV show singing Damelo:
https://youtube.com/watch?si=bj_XlSEbFc8xzmff&v=PMXoHfPlciQ&feature=youtu.be
Actually Dolla is better than some of the overated K Pop groups. Support local.
DAP splinter party Urimai began groundwork in Kuala Kubu Baharu today to encourage voters not to vote for Pakatan Harapan.
Party chairperson P Ramasamy said this was to teach a lesson to the federal government led by Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim, who he alleged had failed to fulfil their promises to Malaysians.
Anil can elaborate the sentiments of Indian voters?
I think any party that commits to the five principles/demands in civil society’s People’s Agenda, endorsed by over 50 NGOs, should be supported.
How different is Urimai Vs PSM?
Has Uramai endorse People’s Agenda?
Still not sure if Indians should support Urimai. Anil can give us some input if Urimai can help the Indian community.
Personally, I believe the future lies in genuinely multi-ethnic parties who are willing tackle the real issues that affect everyone, especially the marginalised.
With rukun negara. national service rukun tangga, we are more divided and after merdeka
Any additional public transportation that can reduce private car ownership and ridership should be welcomed.
BRT or ART as alternative transportation?
Can be specific otherwise LRT is the way to go!
Penang LRT proposal:
https://youtube.com/watch?si=H8s-tnXF2YN2gQ6i&v=U8DES9r1mIc&feature=youtu.be
Any station near your home?
Happy. Hopefully I do not need a car in the future. Save the environment. Today traffic jam is bad, could be worst in future if no LRT. So Dr Lim must not complain.
PUTRAJAYA, March 29 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke today said that the Cabinet meeting last Friday has agreed to approve the development proposal for the Penang Mutiara LRT Line project.
He said that the construction for the project is set to commence this year.
Federal government already approved. Should take it up before future change in government no money allocated!
Langkawi also want LRT.
Sanusi is very visionary?
More will cry for LRT once targeted fuel subsidy kicks in.
Why call it an obsession when not everyone be can afford personal car?
Why not turn it around and call these people having obsession with car ownership?
Be fair to those who see LRT as a necessity, do not insult them as obsession.
Well said. Those who have car obsession should pay high price with no fuel subsidy. Savings in subsidies can go to improve public transportation and its infrastructure. Fair for all.
GEORGE TOWN: The implementation of the Penang Mutiara Route Light Rail Transit (LRT) project is seen as a beneficial alternative transportation option for residents to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance urban mobility by connecting urban and suburban areas.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/10/penang-lrt-on-track-to-ease-traffic-and-enhance-tourism
why those driving 4WD, Mercs, BMW, over 250cc bikes are given subsidy? Their vehicle size is bigger and occupy road space. They have gain double advantage.
Please slow down.
The Penang City Council (MBPP) has reduced the speed limit for several roads in the George Town World Heritage Site from 50 kilometres per hour (km/h) to 40km/h, effective March 2, 2024.
Drive slowly, now many slow walking seniors around. Be considerate. No fast and furious action on the road, leave the fantasy in the cinema.
True, some old folks could be walking on road side because the 5-foot-way is blocked and hindered by shops putting their stuff. Spare a thought for our slow walking seniors.
I am now in Jinan Shandong China. I cannot access to Google, WhatsApps and Facebook, BUT China authority allows me to access AnilNetto.com showing the Socialists agree with Anil’s vision of justice for all. I am impressed with China’s public transport system. If the city it town is without MRT, it has excellent affordable public bus network. With many apps eg Baidu Map, one can navigate the streets easily and get to know what and when the buses coming in real time, with arrival time and expected distance to the destination. China has advanced to be world class pioneer in… Read more »
Better improve infrastructure more meaningful to the public.
In China, people’s money are carefully spent to the benefits of people, not for private Corporations
“Look at the bigger picture of the Penang LRT project, Chow tells detractors” By Audrey Dermawan dd April 1, 2024 @ 2:20pm https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1032955/look-bigger-picture-penang-lrt-project-chow-tells-detractors ======== “Chow said the initial projection was RM10.5 billion. He, however, said the final cost would be determined by the design, system and train in use.” >>> The LRT project is estimated to cost around RM10.5 Billion and the final cost, the state says still not sure. And this is only the 1st stage. The state has 2 or 3 more stages to go. The state has not mentioned how much more billions it is going to cost. We are in doubt… Read more »
Open house is just makan and come out on the other side. It is gone and turn into waste. Whereas LRT is always there and better transport improves productivity. Even Senior like you can go out and you get Senior price. When you go out, you can teh tarik with your long lost friend and eat one ton mee. You happy, kopi tiam and one ton mee seller orso happy. Most of all Penang Gomen orso happy with the productivity. If can predict the price, then no need Quantity Surveyors.
Long lost friend in heaven now sipping kopi susu , reading all comments wishing he is still navigating Penang chaotic traffic jam to get his one tonne noodles.
Who are you talking about?
Long lost friend is who?
Don’t take your friend for granted.
Already we lost tunglang (for now).
We lost Anil for almost 2 weeks, luckily got miracle we witness the resurrection of anilnetto.com.
Hopefully there will be a third coming of tunglang. Believe in miracles
So sorry, the blog was down due to technical web hosting issues. I’m touched that you missed me!
Penang Buffet Under $3
https://youtube.com/watch?si=TBM43C3L2ilX-YfW&v=Xh_I3ThC2FU&feature=youtu.be
GEORGE TOWN: A proposal to ban foreigners from cooking selected local delicacies at privately-owned hawker stalls, food courts and coffee shops is still under review, Penang Island mayor A Rajendran said today.
He said the city council would need to carry out consultations with those affected. We have not decided whether to go ahead or not, he said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has told detractors of the Penang LRT project to look at the bigger picture instead of continuously criticising the project.
Chow: “If you talk about costs, high costs are incurred daily just by being stuck in the worsening traffic. Although the LRT may not solve the state’s traffic problem 100%, it is still an initiative by the government.”
https://www.nst.com.my/amp/news/nation/2024/04/1032955/look-bigger-picture-penang-lrt-project-chow-tells-detractors
Better have it sooner than later.
Already speculated that … price to be RM2.40/litre once Padu remove subsidy.
Dr Lim has been making big fuss on LRT.
If he does not want elevated LRT, does that mean Penang will have underground LRT? Dr Lim should advise Rapid Penang to further improve bus service and not complain repeatedly.
Dr Lim cannot realise his dream of making Penang a Cycling Capital?
Everyone must follow him wearing a western suit when cycle??
Today hot weather 35 degrees hot sun can wear suit riding bicycle? Dr Lim is really superb!
Today is higher due to global warming. The earth’s temp gone up by 2 C
What cause global warming?
Your car exhaust can provide the answer!
Now you shout Eureka? Too late now after so many COP conferences
Penang weather cool enough to wear full suit while riding on the road? Or it is just a demonstration?
Susahnya Nak Jalan Kaki dan Naik Basikal di Malaysia
https://youtube.com/watch?si=OxrlHVMVfLO-3uk0&v=Y4H7iv2uZd4&feature=youtu.be
“Rayer calls Ramasamy bitter and ungrateful” BY Ian McIntyre
dd 05 Jun 2024 9:08AM
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/102270/ramasamy-bitter-ungrateful-says-rayer
========
Am guessing for those politicians who do not have grassroots support, apple polishing their masters is the way to do it to remain relevant in a ‘party first’ political structure.
What this colloquially known as “apple polishing” or “brown-nosing.” means is that politicians who do not have strong support from the general public (grassroots support) may need to use flattery or ingratiate themselves to those in power in order to stay relevant within a political party that values loyalty to the party hierarchy.
As for Prof. Ramasamy, he has taken the role of an advocate for the underrepresented communities. Advocacy for underrepresented communities means speaking out, supporting, and arguing for the rights, needs, and representation of marginalized and minority groups who are often overlooked or not given enough or proper opportunities in society. It involves raising awareness, promoting equality, and creating change to ensure that all individuals have a voice and are treated fairly and justly. So, what is Rayer’s problem if Prof. Ramasamy wants to be an advocate for underrepresented communities ? What is his issue? Why call Prof. Ramasamy who is voluntarily… Read more »
“Scent of durians fills august House” by N. Trisa dd Monday, 03 Jun 2024 https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2024/06/03/scent-of-durians-fills-august-house ======== There are many of us, am sure who can’t remember the last time we ate durians because durians have become an unaffordable fruit for us locals. And here, we have politicians some of whom are enjoying multiple state government positions, potentially receiving multiple salaries, allowances, fees, and maybe even free utilities (all paid for with tax payers money ) and of course free durians to eat during state affairs ( probably paid for with taxpayers money too ) with a CM who wants to raise local rates to increase state revenue ( probably because not enough… Read more »
How did our former Chief Minister manage to administer our state without increasing rates and yet managed to increase the state reserves from approximately RM 400,000 when he took office in 2008 to RM 1.8 billion by the end of his tenure in 2018? Also we understand, it was the local state government that requested to increase the water rates to SPAN, followed by the newly minted SPAN Chairman making claims that we Rakyat were wasting precious clean water, which then led to a nationwide rate increase. But what about the leakages of more than 40% of the processed clean water taking place… Read more »
This is state government wastage of clean processed water which is costing Rakyat tax money in billions. The State governments managing our water resources refer to their water wastage as ‘Non Revenue Water.’ I suppose that makes it alright for them.
Enjoy your durian feast, Penang political folks while we poor Rakyat have to continue to suffer due to the never ending rise in the cost of living. Our elected Opposition are also silent on many matters while enjoying their salaries and perks.
“Convent Light Street conversion to international school ‘on track’ ” by Ian McIntyre dd 13 May 2024 8:00AM https://www.thevibes.com/articles/education/101957/convent-light-streets-conversion-to-international-school-said-to-be-on-track ======== “Plans to convert … Convent Light Street (CLS) in Penang, into an affordable international school – a first for the country – is on track, Melinda Lim said…It will be affordable to all Malaysians, says architect behind move.” >>> Alternatives are necessary to pursue knowledge, and affordability is key, just as the sisters who founded the school envisioned. The current national school education system seems stagnant and lacking progress. Convent Light Street is a charming colonial heritage school building located by the sea. It… Read more »
“Cost and efficiency factors make ART better than LRT, say experts”
by Shahrul Shahabudin dd 18 May 2024, 09:00 AM
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/18/cost-and-efficiency-factors-make-art-better-than-lrt-say-experts/
========
>>> Some people think carefully before moving forward. And then there are those foolish people who rush in without thinking. If that is not bad enough they want to build a underground LRT station in the middle of heritage Georgetown.
“Tram on trial in Putrajaya” by Vijenthi Nair dd Friday, 17 May 2024
https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2024/05/17/tram-on-trial-in-putrajaya
“Penang serious about renewable energy, says CM” dd 14 May 2024 12:45PM
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/101973/penang-serious-about-renewable-energy-says-cm
========
“PENANG has empowered its state agencies to go big on renewable energy, especially solar power.”
>>> Ya, right! This is the typical example of how politicians often operate. For the past 2 to 3 years, we have been actively discussing the benefits of renewable energy and other important environmental issues on this blogsite. Despite our efforts to raise awareness and offer suggestions, they seemed disinterested.
Should have started way back in 2008. Better late than never, I guess.
You mean to say that the State government should have started way back in 2008 ?
There is an article you posted back in 2008 titled , ” Penang could become centre for solar energy research, Anil Netto dd 21 Oct 2008″ .
Since this subject was already highlighted back since 2008 in this blogsite, it actually goes to show that the State government did not have the foresight to recognize the benefits of utilizing renewable energy sources until now.
However, after officiating the opening of the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA) solar roadshow, they suddenly became enlightened about the importance of renewable energy and its potential positive impact in our current environment.
Anyway, better late than never. But in the coming future, current renewable energy sources will be replaced by more advanced forms of energy technology. Right now these form of energy technology is in the theoretical stage of development already.
“Penang LRT: An unwise use of public funds? ” by Rosli Khan
dd 14 May 2024, 09:00 AM
The projected passenger numbers, ranging from 5 to 42 million, are unrealistic.
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2024/05/14/penang-lrt-an-unwise-use-of-public-funds/
========
>>> It is unrealistic because they are typically politicians and are not that smart. All they want is to push the over glorified project through, in an over developed tiny island which is beginning to show signs of insufficient water availability and shortage of land.
Even Johor has cancelled their LRT project claiming it is too expensive and have replaced it with
Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/05/12/johor-exco-autonomous-rapid-transit-cheaper-than-lrt-by-half/133962
“Wasteful’ Penang LRT to cost govt RM600mil a year, says economist” by Predeep Nambiar dd 10 May 2024, 03:41 PM Lim Mah Hui says that with ‘unrealistic’ ridership numbers, the government would have to pay dearly to maintain the network. https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/05/10/wasteful-penang-lrt-to-cost-govt-rm600mil-a-year-says-economist/ >>> Estimated at 10 Billion Ringgit, it is only for the 1st phase ( could cost more ) of the LRT project . What about the cost for the remaining phases of this project. Why is the federal government supporting and funding this so expensive LRT project and where are they going to get the funds from? Why are they not looking for alternatives like they did in… Read more »
Already the National debt is estimated to be 1.6 Trillion ringgit. The figure has not come down, only increased. Then there is the recent proposal to increase the civil servant salaries estimated to cost the government about 10 Billion Ringgit. Where will the funds come from to support the salary increase?
This salary proposal was made just recently in April/May 2024, just before the KKB by-election, believe was not in the 2024 budget.
Not forgetting the recent report that the Malaysian household debt is at RM1.53 trillion as at 2023.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1027540/malaysian-household-debt-rm153-trillion-2023
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/2023/10/13/interactive-key-takeaways-from-budget-2024
“Can’t wait for water woes to end” By Imran Hilmy dd Wednesday, 08 May 2024 https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/08/cant-wait-for-water-woes-to-end ======== Can’t wait … yes, but now one has to pay at a higher cost for the water sourced from Perak. How did the State of Penang end up in with this predicament? PBAPP and its chairman remain silent. What is the daily volume of clean water produced in one day and night of 24hrs. Of this, what is the volume of clean water used by the residents of Penang state? The above news states that some 30,000 consumer accounts in south Seberang Perai have been facing water problems.… Read more »
Recently, all states, along with their national chief SPAN, suggested that consumers are using excessive amounts of water, and with this excuse, went on to increase the water rates Nation wide. Is it correct to say that consumers are using too much water in a tropical country which is hot, humid and dusty?
How was this conclusion reached? When questioned, one leader from Penang claimed ignorance and pointed the finger at SPAN for the rate hikes.
You forgot, we have about 1m of rainfall per year too. There are dry but orso wet monsoon. You did not learn there are monsoon and kau ong yah festival where it rains every day?
With five major transportation projects taking off almost in tandem this year, the traffic nightmare is going to get worse for Penangites – at least until the projects are completed.
For the next few years, motorists will have to bear with not just worse jams but also the inconvenience, noise, dust and vibrations.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/07/bracing-for-a-maze-of-projects
And the new highways will get choked before long, with congestion moved to the exit points.
As for the LRT, will the ridership meet projections and who will bear the burden of debt and operating losses?
Ha, Ha. That was also my immediate thought, quote, ” the new highways will get choked before long” when I read the article. The Penang Rakyat don’t seem to realize that the island is already overdeveloped in certain areas and due to this now facing with very very limited availability of land and water.
But then who cares about tomorrow, when today we can enjoy and be merry. When tomorrow comes we shall become beggars and beg the neighboring states for food and water.
tell us how to beg when countries are going to make more CHIPS CHIPS in penang? You dont known Silicon island? Pearl island become Silicon island
LRT is PUBLIC transport. PUBLIC has to pay if there is a loss. If they take cars, they are losing – climate change, noise and smoke pollution and they are getting cheap petrol from the country. What about loss of productivity and has to leave house early and come home late to avoid jam. More penang land is used for building more roads. Many cities are having free bus zones paid by city councils and trains
Quote,
In the short term, the projected 60-80 sen per liter increase in fuel prices, coupled with its domino effects on the rising cost of living following the removal of the blanket petrol subsidy, poses a threat to the already strained budgets of the majority, especially within the B40 and M40 segments of society. Fuel, akin to the lifeblood of the nation, holds significant sway over public sentiment. A sharp rise in fuel prices is likely to fuel discontent among the populace, potentially eroding support for the ruling coalition. Unquote
https://newswav.com/article/subsidy-rationalization-pitfall-potential-downfall-of-unity-government-if-n-A2405_oNxafA
China is no 1 in producing renewable energy> You should be telling gomen to invest more on renewables. It is free and in long term is cheaper and environmental freely. If you are believer, March, April will not be a hot month throughout the world