I refer to letter by reader K. Balan (27 Sept 2000) which spoke about the government bodies involved in privatisation programs. I am particularly concerned about one agency that is probably the oldest of them all, KTMB (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad). KTMB's inefficiency or deficiency in their hardware does not only spell disaster but total catastrophe concerning human life.

Reports about the frequent derailments (three times for the three weeks, I understand) are just as scary as it would seem if one were to read about reports of frequent airplane crashes. The cold and calm face of the KTMB official giving reasons and excuses for these happenings sends cold shivers down my back. My own knowledge of history may be as rusty as their hardware, but I believe there never had been a time where the number of derailment has been as frequent as those from beginning of this year. Inefficiency or just 'tidak apa' attitude?

What about the Tanjong Pagar problem in Singapore, KTM? Has it not occurred to anyone the ridiculousness of the present system where one has to go through the Malaysian custom first before getting into the train that stops again in Woodland for the passengers to get down and get their passport inspected by the Singaporean Customs? Forgive me but Im running out of breath here.

Thinking about all these only gives me heartaches and headaches or both. But there are, at times, some comic relief moments, especially the one where the derailed train had some KTMB officials in it! The old rail tracks does have some dark sense of humour.

28/09/2000