Is Melaka better with public transport system or RM1.5billion aerorail?

First and foremost, let’s not confuse ourselves with the monorail and aerorail projects being undertaken by the Melaka State Government as they are both separate projects.

Does Melaka City really need one? Or perhaps better spent on improving the existing public transport system?

The first is a 1.6km Monorail from Taman Rempah (near Hang Jebat Bridge) to Hang Tuah Bridge which costs RM28million with a Roller Coaster, Glider, public facilities being borned jointly by MBMB, Kumpulan Melaka Bhd and little known Agibs Engineering and Construction. Is this beneficial to the state and people? What do you want the commuters to see along the short route and every Malaccan will know that “Taman Rempah” is specifically created for this monorail purpose. A short walk along the river banks to Hang Tuah bridge would be more scenic and enjoyable!

Taman Rempah is nothing but a blunder from the public point of view other then the organised traditional dance shows as marketed by the State Government.

The other being the Aerorail project of 18.4km linking Ayer Keroh to Melaka City costing the “people of Melaka” RM1.386billion. Melaka as it is, do not have a proper city planning to improve public transport within the city as roads within the city are narrow. However, getting from one end to another would not take 1 hour except during long holiday weekends.

With the aerorail, there will be 10 stations with 10 250-room 4-star hotels which are built, operated and managed by Pyramid Express Sdn Bhd while the technical and project management support will be provided by Pinggiran Pelangi Sdn Bhd, the local agent of Aerobus International of Houston, USA. All companies are little known companies except for the hotel operators Leisure Group but with bad reviews from guests of their existing managed hotels.

In true Malaysian Government fashion, we can expect more public funds would be required as the project goes on due to increased project costs. Would project be relevant then?

So Ali Rustam instead of being arrogant on carrying on this project spending public funds lavishly, it is wise to listen to Pak Lah (sometimes) as being said for another project here.