NST,Monday October 31 2011
Since Oct 15, something new and bizarre has been taking place in Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin, Kuala Lumpur.
A government-linked bus company is operating the Cheras route from the bus stand at Sinar Kota, which has long being used by a private bus company.
Cheras commuters are happy as they have a choice of boarding RapidKL buses at Central Market or SJ buses at Sinar Kota.
In a surprising show of force, RapidKL moved some of its buses plying the Cheras route to Sinar Kota, with enforcement officers and auxillary police in tow.
Such action is uncalled for as the private bus company is operating legitimately.
It also raises the question about the roles of government and government-linked corporations (GLCs) on business and industry.
As for public transportation, people appreciate government intervention in areas where the private sector are lacking.
GLCs are expected to compete fairly in the market and use their resources wisely and not go eliminate private sector players.
The government should allow private businesses to thrive. It should nurture firms. History shows that letting government appointees run bus companies has never been sustainable.
Entrepreneurs who are passionate about bus services run SJ successfully. They even introduced new buses with engines running on natural gas.
As the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has yet to unveil its 20-year master plan, it should include clear guidelines on the roles of GLCs and private enterprise in stage bus operations.
We should be mindful that having people who have no stake in the business operating a huge fleet of buses can be a recipe for disaster.
But, all will be well if SPAD places national interests above all else.
YS Chan, Kuala Lumpur
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