Friday, December 25, 2015
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Air quality in Peninsular Malaysia remains bad
Air quality in Peninsular Malaysia remains bad
Air quality remained bad today as the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia continued to be blanketed by a heavy shroud of haze, with many coastal cities recording an unhealthy reading on the Air Pollutant Index (API).
According to readings published on the Department of Environment's (DOE) website, six locations including Seremban, Malacca, and Putrajaya were rated as unhealthy (100-200) on the API as at 5pm today.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said in a statement today that the haze is caused by open burning of forests and land in Sumatera, Indonesia according to satellite images captured by the Singaporean based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The agency detected 132 hot spots in Kalimantan, Indonesia, alone, while only one hot spot was detected in Sumatera due to incomplete satellite coverage as of Sunday.
According to satellite coverage, the ministry said, the haze is expected to spread to Pahang and to east Johor in the next 48 hours while in East Malaysia the haze from Kalimantan is expected to spread to west Sarawak and the waters surrounding both Sabah and Sarawak in the same period of time.
The ministry said the country is still experiencing the southwest monsoon phase that is expected to end by mid-September and noted that the haze will likely dissipate by the monsoon transition phase in October.
Meanwhile, the Environment Department will continue monitoring the status and trend of air quality on an hourly basis due to the uncertain haze situation and increased hot spots in Sumatera and Kalimantan.
All government agencies relevant to haze disaster response have also stepped up efforts in preventing open burning locally that will worsen the already unhealthy air quality.
Local governments and land owners have also been instructed to closely monitor and take preventive actions in places that could easily catch fire such as waste disposal spots, forests, farm land, and industrial complexes.
Meanwhile, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar will also head to Indonesia as soon as possible to meet his counterpart there to discuss solutions and to finalise a memorandum of understanding on cross-border haze prevention.
~News courtesy of The Sun~
Air quality remained bad today as the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia continued to be blanketed by a heavy shroud of haze, with many coastal cities recording an unhealthy reading on the Air Pollutant Index (API).
According to readings published on the Department of Environment's (DOE) website, six locations including Seremban, Malacca, and Putrajaya were rated as unhealthy (100-200) on the API as at 5pm today.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said in a statement today that the haze is caused by open burning of forests and land in Sumatera, Indonesia according to satellite images captured by the Singaporean based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The agency detected 132 hot spots in Kalimantan, Indonesia, alone, while only one hot spot was detected in Sumatera due to incomplete satellite coverage as of Sunday.
According to satellite coverage, the ministry said, the haze is expected to spread to Pahang and to east Johor in the next 48 hours while in East Malaysia the haze from Kalimantan is expected to spread to west Sarawak and the waters surrounding both Sabah and Sarawak in the same period of time.
The ministry said the country is still experiencing the southwest monsoon phase that is expected to end by mid-September and noted that the haze will likely dissipate by the monsoon transition phase in October.
Meanwhile, the Environment Department will continue monitoring the status and trend of air quality on an hourly basis due to the uncertain haze situation and increased hot spots in Sumatera and Kalimantan.
All government agencies relevant to haze disaster response have also stepped up efforts in preventing open burning locally that will worsen the already unhealthy air quality.
Local governments and land owners have also been instructed to closely monitor and take preventive actions in places that could easily catch fire such as waste disposal spots, forests, farm land, and industrial complexes.
Meanwhile, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar will also head to Indonesia as soon as possible to meet his counterpart there to discuss solutions and to finalise a memorandum of understanding on cross-border haze prevention.
~News courtesy of The Sun~
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Registration period for Singapore vehicles entering Malaysia extended to Oct 1
Registration period for Singapore vehicles entering Malaysia extended to Oct 1
Malaysian authorities have extended the registration period for the Vehicle Entry Permit to Oct 1 to give more motorists the chance to register their vehicles as well as to enable the delivery of Radio Frequency Identification cards and approval by the authorities in both countries.
Only 45,000 Singapore vehicles have registered for the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) levied on foreign cars entering Malaysia, according to Malaysian authorities.
VEP registration has now been extended to Oct 1 to enable the delivery of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards and approval by the authorities in both countries.
State Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Hasni Mohammad admitted that the VEP registration system still needed some improvement.
"Only 45,000 foreign vehicles have registered for the VEP compared to the expected 500,000 vehicles," he said after visiting the VEP registration counter at Sultan Iskandar building on Tuesday (Sep 1). "The two weeks starting Aug 15 did not allow all the foreign vehicles to be registered online or over the counter."
Since Aug 15, motorists could register online and pay a RM10 (S$3.35) fee for a five-year period before the Road Transport Department (RTD) issued RFID cards. Once registered, the vehicles would be allowed to enter Johor free of charge for one month from Sep 1 to Sep 30. Motorists will have to pay RM20 for VEP for each entry from Oct 1.
"It is not just to provide comfort to those who have registered but also to ensure that all the rules and regulations are adhered to," Mr Hasni said. He said as many as 200,000 to 230,000 vehicles of various types went through the two checkpoints weekly.
In August, Malaysia's Transport Ministry pushed back the start date of the VEP fee from Sep 1 to Oct 1.
The VEP is levied on all passenger vehicles (including MPVs and SUVs). Government vehicles, motorcycles, public buses and taxis are exempted from payment but still need to register with RTD.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Malaysian authorities have extended the registration period for the Vehicle Entry Permit to Oct 1 to give more motorists the chance to register their vehicles as well as to enable the delivery of Radio Frequency Identification cards and approval by the authorities in both countries.
Only 45,000 Singapore vehicles have registered for the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) levied on foreign cars entering Malaysia, according to Malaysian authorities.
VEP registration has now been extended to Oct 1 to enable the delivery of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards and approval by the authorities in both countries.
State Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Hasni Mohammad admitted that the VEP registration system still needed some improvement.
"Only 45,000 foreign vehicles have registered for the VEP compared to the expected 500,000 vehicles," he said after visiting the VEP registration counter at Sultan Iskandar building on Tuesday (Sep 1). "The two weeks starting Aug 15 did not allow all the foreign vehicles to be registered online or over the counter."
Since Aug 15, motorists could register online and pay a RM10 (S$3.35) fee for a five-year period before the Road Transport Department (RTD) issued RFID cards. Once registered, the vehicles would be allowed to enter Johor free of charge for one month from Sep 1 to Sep 30. Motorists will have to pay RM20 for VEP for each entry from Oct 1.
"It is not just to provide comfort to those who have registered but also to ensure that all the rules and regulations are adhered to," Mr Hasni said. He said as many as 200,000 to 230,000 vehicles of various types went through the two checkpoints weekly.
In August, Malaysia's Transport Ministry pushed back the start date of the VEP fee from Sep 1 to Oct 1.
The VEP is levied on all passenger vehicles (including MPVs and SUVs). Government vehicles, motorcycles, public buses and taxis are exempted from payment but still need to register with RTD.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Self-service kiosks for SIA, SilkAir fliers
Self-service kiosks for SIA, SilkAir fliers
SIA and SilkAir passengers can now print out their boarding passes and baggage tags at the machines across the SIA and SilkAir check-in rows at Terminal 2.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir travellers at Changi Airport's Terminal 2 can now print their own boarding passes and luggage tags.
In Changi's biggest rollout yet of self-service check-in kiosks, close to 25 new machines have been installed across SIA and SilkAir's check-in rows.
After a passenger has his passport verified, the machine prints the boarding pass and luggage tags.
All the passenger has to do is tag the bags and drop them off at designated counters, before heading to immigration. Those with no check-in bags can head straight to immigration without having to stop at the manned counters.
When The Straits Times visited T2 yesterday, a steady stream of travellers were using the kiosks, assisted by staff.
Marketing executive Jeffrey Lim, 36, said: "It's the first time I'm using a self-service check-in kiosk and it's really easy and convenient. It took me just a couple of minutes to get everything done. I'll definitely use it again. Great initiative by the airline and airport."
Indonesian housewife, Rina Wati, 44, said: "It's a simple machine to use which is good, especially for older travellers."
The machines, introduced about two weeks ago, are located mainly in front of the check-in counters.
Low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia was the first airline at Changi to introduce do-it-yourself check-in and bag tagging kiosks last year.
SIA spokesman Nicholas Ionides said the kiosks are part of a suite of "Fast and Seamless Travel" initiatives being provided by Changi to cater to passenger traffic growth.
Said a spokesman for Changi Airport Group, Ivan Tan: "The entire check-in sequence - including printing of boarding pass and bag tags, together with tagging and baggage drop-off - can be done in a matter of minutes.
"The time taken is expected to reduce as travellers gain familiarity with this mode of processing, given the growing use of automated check-in options in airports around the world."
Automation will also help raise efficiency and productivity of check-in operations, thereby providing cost savings for airlines, according to Mr Tan.
With manpower costs rising amid a tight labour situation, Changi Airport, its airlines, ground-handling firms and other partners are pushing for automation.
For travellers, this will mean getting used to fewer manned counters and more machines at the existing terminals as well as T4, which opens in 2017.
Mr Tan said the airport is in talks with other carriers to expand the use of the check-in kiosks.
~News courtesy of My Paper~
SIA and SilkAir passengers can now print out their boarding passes and baggage tags at the machines across the SIA and SilkAir check-in rows at Terminal 2.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir travellers at Changi Airport's Terminal 2 can now print their own boarding passes and luggage tags.
In Changi's biggest rollout yet of self-service check-in kiosks, close to 25 new machines have been installed across SIA and SilkAir's check-in rows.
After a passenger has his passport verified, the machine prints the boarding pass and luggage tags.
All the passenger has to do is tag the bags and drop them off at designated counters, before heading to immigration. Those with no check-in bags can head straight to immigration without having to stop at the manned counters.
When The Straits Times visited T2 yesterday, a steady stream of travellers were using the kiosks, assisted by staff.
Marketing executive Jeffrey Lim, 36, said: "It's the first time I'm using a self-service check-in kiosk and it's really easy and convenient. It took me just a couple of minutes to get everything done. I'll definitely use it again. Great initiative by the airline and airport."
Indonesian housewife, Rina Wati, 44, said: "It's a simple machine to use which is good, especially for older travellers."
The machines, introduced about two weeks ago, are located mainly in front of the check-in counters.
Low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia was the first airline at Changi to introduce do-it-yourself check-in and bag tagging kiosks last year.
SIA spokesman Nicholas Ionides said the kiosks are part of a suite of "Fast and Seamless Travel" initiatives being provided by Changi to cater to passenger traffic growth.
Said a spokesman for Changi Airport Group, Ivan Tan: "The entire check-in sequence - including printing of boarding pass and bag tags, together with tagging and baggage drop-off - can be done in a matter of minutes.
"The time taken is expected to reduce as travellers gain familiarity with this mode of processing, given the growing use of automated check-in options in airports around the world."
Automation will also help raise efficiency and productivity of check-in operations, thereby providing cost savings for airlines, according to Mr Tan.
With manpower costs rising amid a tight labour situation, Changi Airport, its airlines, ground-handling firms and other partners are pushing for automation.
For travellers, this will mean getting used to fewer manned counters and more machines at the existing terminals as well as T4, which opens in 2017.
Mr Tan said the airport is in talks with other carriers to expand the use of the check-in kiosks.
~News courtesy of My Paper~
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
klia2 safe for operation, assures MAHB
klia2 safe for operation, assures MAHB
Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) gave its assurance that klia2's terminal, apron and taxiways are safe for operation.
"Safety is of utmost priority to us and we adhere to a very stringent regulatory regime by the Civil Aviation Department (DCA), in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommended practices," it said in a statement today.
MAHB said the low-cost carrier terminal's apron and taxiway are undergoing differential soil settlement.
"Of the total 1.48 million sq metre total klia2 airport area, only 2.3% is affected by this differential settlement that causes ponding and depression issues," said MAHB.
It pointed out that since the opening of klia2 in May last year, MAHB has been very diligent in monitoring the safety aspects of overall airport operations together with the relevant stakeholders.
"A Joint Inspection Committee (JIC) is the proper platform for the airport stakeholders to raise and resolve any operational issues including the update on the rectification works.
"The committee is chaired by klia2 head engineering, whose members include the principal assistant director of airport standards division from the civil aviation department (DCA), as well as ground safety managers and safety officers of AirAsia, AirAsia X and Malindo airlines," it said, adding that the committee has had 27 meetings to date.
It pointed out that onsite inspection and verification on the rectification works are conducted by all members of the JIC.
MAHB said it had complied with all required safety certifications, including the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) and DCA's Aerodrome Certificate.
MAHB was responding to comments by AirAsia Bhd CEO Aireen Omar, who in an interview, claimed that klia2 was "still sinking", stressing that the situation increases wear and tear on their planes and poses potential safety risks.
~News courtesy of The Sun~
Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) gave its assurance that klia2's terminal, apron and taxiways are safe for operation.
"Safety is of utmost priority to us and we adhere to a very stringent regulatory regime by the Civil Aviation Department (DCA), in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommended practices," it said in a statement today.
MAHB said the low-cost carrier terminal's apron and taxiway are undergoing differential soil settlement.
"Of the total 1.48 million sq metre total klia2 airport area, only 2.3% is affected by this differential settlement that causes ponding and depression issues," said MAHB.
It pointed out that since the opening of klia2 in May last year, MAHB has been very diligent in monitoring the safety aspects of overall airport operations together with the relevant stakeholders.
"A Joint Inspection Committee (JIC) is the proper platform for the airport stakeholders to raise and resolve any operational issues including the update on the rectification works.
"The committee is chaired by klia2 head engineering, whose members include the principal assistant director of airport standards division from the civil aviation department (DCA), as well as ground safety managers and safety officers of AirAsia, AirAsia X and Malindo airlines," it said, adding that the committee has had 27 meetings to date.
It pointed out that onsite inspection and verification on the rectification works are conducted by all members of the JIC.
MAHB said it had complied with all required safety certifications, including the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) and DCA's Aerodrome Certificate.
MAHB was responding to comments by AirAsia Bhd CEO Aireen Omar, who in an interview, claimed that klia2 was "still sinking", stressing that the situation increases wear and tear on their planes and poses potential safety risks.
~News courtesy of The Sun~
Friday, July 17, 2015
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Heavy traffic expected at both land checkpoints
Heavy traffic expected at both land checkpoints during Hari Raya weekend
Heavy traffic is expected at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from Thursday (Jul 16), ahead of Hari Raya Puasa on Friday.
Traffic volume is expected to build up from Thursday and continue till Sunday, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a statement, adding that travellers using the land checkpoints during this period can expect delays.
For departure from Singapore, traffic at both checkpoints is expected to be particularly heavy on Thursday and Friday, ICA said. For arrival, traffic at both checkpoints is expected to be particularly heavy on Sunday.
The authority has advised travellers to adjust their travel plans if possible. If not, motorists should check on the traffic situation at both land checkpoints before embarking on their journey, it said.
Travellers are encouraged to car-pool where possible, maintain lane discipline at all times, and ensure that they do not bring unlawful or prohibited goods into or out of Singapore, ICA said.
For more information, the public can call 6863 0117, tune in to the radio for the latest traffic news, or visit these websites to check latest traffic conditions: http://onemotoring.com.sg or http://www.mytransport.sg.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Heavy traffic is expected at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from Thursday (Jul 16), ahead of Hari Raya Puasa on Friday.
Traffic volume is expected to build up from Thursday and continue till Sunday, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a statement, adding that travellers using the land checkpoints during this period can expect delays.
For departure from Singapore, traffic at both checkpoints is expected to be particularly heavy on Thursday and Friday, ICA said. For arrival, traffic at both checkpoints is expected to be particularly heavy on Sunday.
The authority has advised travellers to adjust their travel plans if possible. If not, motorists should check on the traffic situation at both land checkpoints before embarking on their journey, it said.
Travellers are encouraged to car-pool where possible, maintain lane discipline at all times, and ensure that they do not bring unlawful or prohibited goods into or out of Singapore, ICA said.
For more information, the public can call 6863 0117, tune in to the radio for the latest traffic news, or visit these websites to check latest traffic conditions: http://onemotoring.com.sg or http://www.mytransport.sg.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Thursday, June 18, 2015
New JB-Woodlands train service from July 1
New JB-Woodlands train service from July 1
A new shuttle train service plying between Woodlands and Johor Baru (JB) Sentral will start on July 1.
Malaysian rail operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) will operate the service called Shuttle Tebrau.
There will be 14 trips daily: seven from JB Sentral Station and seven from Woodlands Station.
A one-way fare from Woodlands will cost $5, while the return trip from JB Sentral will be priced at RM5 (S$1.80).
KTM said in a media release that the shuttle service will provide a transport solution for commuters who are travelling daily from Johor in Malaysia to Singapore.
"It is also an effort to reduce the massive road congestion, especially during the peak hours at the Johor Causeway," the operator added.
The departure timings from Woodlands Station will be: 6.30am, 8am, 9.30am, 5pm, 6.30pm, 8pm and 11pm.
From JB Sentral, the timings will be: 5.30am, 7am, 8.30am, 4pm, 5.30pm, 7pm and 10pm.
On each trip, the train can ferry between 300 and 320 passengers.
Commuters said that, compared with taking the bus to JB, the train may be quicker but will cost more.
Travel blogger Liau Yun Qing, 29, said it took her about two hours to get from Queen Street in Singapore to JB Sentral on Saturday, using the Causeway Link bus service.
"This is because of the queues to clear immigration and queues to board the buses again (after clearing immigration)."
The ride cost her $3.30 going in and RM3.40 coming back.
There are currently seven cross-border bus services which ply between Singapore and Johor Baru: two are operated by SBS Transit, one by SMRT and the other four services by private bus operators.
Prices for the private services range from $2 to $7.
KTM said that, with the new shuttle, train services from Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Butterworth and Gemas stations - which currently end at Woodlands Station - will end at JB Sentral instead from July 1.
Commuters will have to use Shuttle Tebrau to complete the rest of the journey to Singapore.
Said beautician Janice Lee, 50, who visits JB occasionally to shop and eat: "I've never taken the train (to JB) before, but if this new shuttle service is convenient and safe, I wouldn't mind giving it a try."
~News courtesy of My Paper~
A new shuttle train service plying between Woodlands and Johor Baru (JB) Sentral will start on July 1.
Malaysian rail operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) will operate the service called Shuttle Tebrau.
There will be 14 trips daily: seven from JB Sentral Station and seven from Woodlands Station.
A one-way fare from Woodlands will cost $5, while the return trip from JB Sentral will be priced at RM5 (S$1.80).
KTM said in a media release that the shuttle service will provide a transport solution for commuters who are travelling daily from Johor in Malaysia to Singapore.
"It is also an effort to reduce the massive road congestion, especially during the peak hours at the Johor Causeway," the operator added.
The departure timings from Woodlands Station will be: 6.30am, 8am, 9.30am, 5pm, 6.30pm, 8pm and 11pm.
From JB Sentral, the timings will be: 5.30am, 7am, 8.30am, 4pm, 5.30pm, 7pm and 10pm.
On each trip, the train can ferry between 300 and 320 passengers.
Commuters said that, compared with taking the bus to JB, the train may be quicker but will cost more.
Travel blogger Liau Yun Qing, 29, said it took her about two hours to get from Queen Street in Singapore to JB Sentral on Saturday, using the Causeway Link bus service.
"This is because of the queues to clear immigration and queues to board the buses again (after clearing immigration)."
The ride cost her $3.30 going in and RM3.40 coming back.
There are currently seven cross-border bus services which ply between Singapore and Johor Baru: two are operated by SBS Transit, one by SMRT and the other four services by private bus operators.
Prices for the private services range from $2 to $7.
KTM said that, with the new shuttle, train services from Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Butterworth and Gemas stations - which currently end at Woodlands Station - will end at JB Sentral instead from July 1.
Commuters will have to use Shuttle Tebrau to complete the rest of the journey to Singapore.
Said beautician Janice Lee, 50, who visits JB occasionally to shop and eat: "I've never taken the train (to JB) before, but if this new shuttle service is convenient and safe, I wouldn't mind giving it a try."
~News courtesy of My Paper~
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Fares increased for taxi, train and express bus services
Fares increased for taxi, train and express bus services
Be prepared to pay more for your public transport. The increase in taxi fares takes immediate effect while train and express bus charges will be raised on May 1 and May 15 respectively.
Budget taxis in the Klang Valley and Johor Baru will charge 25 sen per 200m and 25 sen per 36 seconds although the flagfall will remain at RM3 for the first kilometre.
This is a sizable increase as each budget taxi will get RM1.25 per km (from RM0.87 per km, up by 44%) and 42.67 sen per minute (from 28 sen per minute, up by 49%).
For example, a budget taxi that is stuck in traffic for an hour will take in RM25 (RM30 for those in Penang) from time-based charges alone, up from RM16.80 previously. This is likely to make taxi drivers more willing to face congestions.
Express buses will charge 2.1 sen more (or 22.5%) per km, setting the new fare at 11.4 sen per km.
Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said taxi and express bus operators were facing rising costs, adding that the last fare review for both was in 2009.
“We took into account the needs of the operators and the public (in coming up with these new fares),” he told reporters at SPAD headquarters here.
Teksi 1Malaysia (TEKS1M) cabs – consisting exclusively of the brown Proton Exora – are the only taxis to have the flagfall rate raised from RM3 to RM4.
The hike in taxi fares does not cover airport limos and executive taxis (typically blue in colour), and is limited to Peninsular Malaysia.
According to SPAD, taxi fares would be reviewed each year based on operating cost changes.
Although the increase in fares took immediate effect, taxis could only charge the new rates after the meter had been recalibrated.
SPAD chief executive Mohd Nur Ismal Mohd Kamal said it would take one to two months for all taxis to use this new setting.
“There’s a panel of service providers they can go to. We have asked them to increase (operating) capacitym,” he said.
SPAD said that senior citizens, the disabled and children below 12 years old would continue to enjoy the 25% discount on express bus fares.
On train fares, Syed Hamid said SPAD had given its approval to KTM Bhd and Prasarana Malaysia Bhd to set new rates covering LRT, KTM Komuter, KTM Intercity and KL Monorail.
According to SPAD, the Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT Line fares have not been reviewed for the past 19 and 17 years respectively. Monorail, KTM Komuter and KTM Intercity fares have remained the same for 12, 12 and 25 years respectively.
Mohd Nur said the fares of stage buses would not be increased now or in the near future.
“This is because low-income earners rely on stage buses for transport, and they cannot afford to pay more,” he said.
He added that the Government would cover stage bus costs.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Be prepared to pay more for your public transport. The increase in taxi fares takes immediate effect while train and express bus charges will be raised on May 1 and May 15 respectively.
Budget taxis in the Klang Valley and Johor Baru will charge 25 sen per 200m and 25 sen per 36 seconds although the flagfall will remain at RM3 for the first kilometre.
This is a sizable increase as each budget taxi will get RM1.25 per km (from RM0.87 per km, up by 44%) and 42.67 sen per minute (from 28 sen per minute, up by 49%).
For example, a budget taxi that is stuck in traffic for an hour will take in RM25 (RM30 for those in Penang) from time-based charges alone, up from RM16.80 previously. This is likely to make taxi drivers more willing to face congestions.
Express buses will charge 2.1 sen more (or 22.5%) per km, setting the new fare at 11.4 sen per km.
Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said taxi and express bus operators were facing rising costs, adding that the last fare review for both was in 2009.
“We took into account the needs of the operators and the public (in coming up with these new fares),” he told reporters at SPAD headquarters here.
Teksi 1Malaysia (TEKS1M) cabs – consisting exclusively of the brown Proton Exora – are the only taxis to have the flagfall rate raised from RM3 to RM4.
The hike in taxi fares does not cover airport limos and executive taxis (typically blue in colour), and is limited to Peninsular Malaysia.
According to SPAD, taxi fares would be reviewed each year based on operating cost changes.
Although the increase in fares took immediate effect, taxis could only charge the new rates after the meter had been recalibrated.
SPAD chief executive Mohd Nur Ismal Mohd Kamal said it would take one to two months for all taxis to use this new setting.
“There’s a panel of service providers they can go to. We have asked them to increase (operating) capacitym,” he said.
SPAD said that senior citizens, the disabled and children below 12 years old would continue to enjoy the 25% discount on express bus fares.
On train fares, Syed Hamid said SPAD had given its approval to KTM Bhd and Prasarana Malaysia Bhd to set new rates covering LRT, KTM Komuter, KTM Intercity and KL Monorail.
According to SPAD, the Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT Line fares have not been reviewed for the past 19 and 17 years respectively. Monorail, KTM Komuter and KTM Intercity fares have remained the same for 12, 12 and 25 years respectively.
Mohd Nur said the fares of stage buses would not be increased now or in the near future.
“This is because low-income earners rely on stage buses for transport, and they cannot afford to pay more,” he said.
He added that the Government would cover stage bus costs.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Changi voted world's best for 3rd year
Changi voted world's best for 3rd year
STERLING RECORD: This is the sixth time that Changi Airport has won the title at the World Airport Awards. Changi also won Best Airport for Leisure Amenities for the seventh time.
Changi Airport has been voted the World's Best Airport by travellers for the third year in a row at the 2015 World Airport Awards.
This is the sixth time that Changi Airport has won this title at the awards, held at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Paris.
Edward Plaisted, chief executive of Britain-based consultancy Skytrax, which organised the awards, said the repeat win was no surprise.
"Rather than dwell on earlier success, the airport continues to innovate and concentrate on making the customer experience in the airport environment the most enjoyable," said Mr Plaisted.
Changi Airport also won Best Airport for Leisure Amenities for the seventh time, thanks to its facilities such as music bar lounges, swimming pool and the in-terminal Ambassador Transit Hotel.
Changi Airport Group CEO Lee Seow Hiang said the recognition was "particularly pleasing", as it comes during significant development projects such as Terminal 4 and Jewel Changi Airport, which have had works taking place amid ongoing airport operations.
"We are most grateful to all our passengers and partners who have, nonetheless, continued to give us their strongest support," said Mr Lee.
The World Airport Awards is based on Skytrax's survey, which is widely recognised as the largest annual global airport customer satisfaction survey. The results are based on 13.02 million customer nominations across air travellers of 112 nationalities and include 550 airports worldwide.
The survey evaluates customer satisfaction across 39 key performance indicators for airport services and products, from check-in, arrivals, transfers, shopping, security and immigration to departure at the gate.
~News courtesy of Straits Times~
STERLING RECORD: This is the sixth time that Changi Airport has won the title at the World Airport Awards. Changi also won Best Airport for Leisure Amenities for the seventh time.
Changi Airport has been voted the World's Best Airport by travellers for the third year in a row at the 2015 World Airport Awards.
This is the sixth time that Changi Airport has won this title at the awards, held at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Paris.
Edward Plaisted, chief executive of Britain-based consultancy Skytrax, which organised the awards, said the repeat win was no surprise.
"Rather than dwell on earlier success, the airport continues to innovate and concentrate on making the customer experience in the airport environment the most enjoyable," said Mr Plaisted.
Changi Airport also won Best Airport for Leisure Amenities for the seventh time, thanks to its facilities such as music bar lounges, swimming pool and the in-terminal Ambassador Transit Hotel.
Changi Airport Group CEO Lee Seow Hiang said the recognition was "particularly pleasing", as it comes during significant development projects such as Terminal 4 and Jewel Changi Airport, which have had works taking place amid ongoing airport operations.
"We are most grateful to all our passengers and partners who have, nonetheless, continued to give us their strongest support," said Mr Lee.
The World Airport Awards is based on Skytrax's survey, which is widely recognised as the largest annual global airport customer satisfaction survey. The results are based on 13.02 million customer nominations across air travellers of 112 nationalities and include 550 airports worldwide.
The survey evaluates customer satisfaction across 39 key performance indicators for airport services and products, from check-in, arrivals, transfers, shopping, security and immigration to departure at the gate.
~News courtesy of Straits Times~
Friday, February 20, 2015
Friday, February 13, 2015
Singapore Airlines reduces fuel surcharges
Singapore Airlines reduces fuel surcharges
Flagship carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) said on Thursday (Feb 12) that it will reduce its fuel surcharge for tickets issued on or after Feb 26, 2015.
The reduced fuel surcharges will apply to Singapore Airlines and SilkAir flights, SIA said in a news release. They will see decreases of between US$5 (S$6.80) and US$83 (S$113) per sector.
The airline noted that fuel prices have declined in recent months, but said jet fuel continues to account for a significant percentage of the SIA Group expenditure.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Flagship carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) said on Thursday (Feb 12) that it will reduce its fuel surcharge for tickets issued on or after Feb 26, 2015.
The reduced fuel surcharges will apply to Singapore Airlines and SilkAir flights, SIA said in a news release. They will see decreases of between US$5 (S$6.80) and US$83 (S$113) per sector.
The airline noted that fuel prices have declined in recent months, but said jet fuel continues to account for a significant percentage of the SIA Group expenditure.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Friday, January 2, 2015
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