INTRODUCTION TO RAIL TRANSPORT SYSTEM
SUBTOPIC: RAILWAY TRANSPORT IN MALAYSIA
What I learnt
I learnt from the video that the Shinkansen is built to connect the capital, Tokyo with other areas to promote economic growth. Japan is a huge country, and this high-speed bullet train enables its citizen to go almost every part of Japan easily. Malaysia also has its own rail transport. However, it is very limited to certain areas, mostly in the Klang Valley only.
Realising the importance of rail transport, Malaysia has taken an action to increase the number of rail transport services. This includes the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) that connects the west coast and east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, starting at Port Klang to Kota Bharu. The latter project was initially being postponed to 2013.
However, in early 2021, the government announced that the project is being cancelled. As a result, Malaysia had to pay millions to Singapore as compensation. This causes mixed reactions among Malaysians.
From what I see on Twitter, many are unhappy with the decision. The project was expected to elevate the nation socioeconomic at the 6 HSR stations in Malaysia. Many housing properties are built because of the project, and the cancellation is affecting negatively.
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| A map of HSR rail and stations. |
But what we are getting now is, we had to pay more without getting the project done. However, the government claimed that the termination is necessary as the government is having financial distress due to the virus pandemic. Some Malaysians think this is a wise decision. I personally think the decision is okay because it is not like we are going to really use the train in the meantime. The coronavirus pandemic is worsening with the new variants, and I have low expectation that this pandemic will resolve soon, especially with the ministers want the general election to be done again and the increase of new cases that reach thousands every day.
Subtopic self-reflection
I used to live in Klang before, and the KTM service is not that effective for me. It takes me one hour from Bukit Badak station in Klang to KL Sentral, but only half an hour by car. I thought the train encourage to use public transport more and reduce car usage to reduce carbon footprint, but in reality, it is not like that at least to me. Why would I spend more time on train when I can use car and arrive faster? So, I only use the commuter service during my schooldays when I do not have my driving license. I used the commuter to go to school because I studied in a boarding school in Seremban. That took me 2 hours of standing and balancing myself in the train. And going to KL when I hang out with my friends because my parents are working. Another reason is because my friends live far away from me – Ampang, Seremban, Nilai and Kajang, so we usually meet up at KL. That is a downside of studying in a boarding school, you live far away from your friends.
I am curious how did the government decides where to build the stations, like, on what basis they place the train stations here and there, because commuter station near my house, the Bukit Badak station is pretty secluded. It is beside the TNB power generator and behind a flyover and cemetery, and it is neither a housing nor business area, so from my experience, the station is pretty scary and dangerous at night. There is also no toilet at this station that the station officer had to ride on a motorcycle to the nearest surau just to use the toilet. Yes, I witnessed the counter being closed because he had to go to the toilet, which is quite far and dangerous to go by walking. People park their cars at roadside because there is no proper parking lot provided. From what I know, train services can help with the economic growth of the surrounding areas. But for this station at least, I do not think so. The station is very isolated. You can refer to this
link to see some photos of the station.
Despite the isolated station, people living nearby (that includes me) still use this station because it is the only nearest station available. I hope the authorities can do something to ensure the users safety.
Overall reflection
A well developed country usually will have a very proper public transportation service. The citizens are encouraged to take public transport. I hope that Malaysia can reach that standard one day, where everywhere is easily accessible through public transports like train and bus. Malaysia has been merdeka for more than 60 years but looks like we still have a long way to go.
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