Between Two Realms

Somehow, it took two major but similar unfortunate incidents in both Malaysia and Singapore two days ago to terminate much of my procrastination and deliberation to launch this monstrosity, of which have been envisioned for quite some time ago. Disturbing and depressing as it may sound, credits have to be given to SK of MageP’s Lab for his words and actions of motivation to prompt another leap of faith into the blogosphere, along with many not-so-relevant contributions to come (I hope).

Introductory classes cut short, it’s the content that matters:

Some cited coincidence, some joked about “conspiracy”, while some even gave credit to the (again) coincidental upcoming Ghost Month, but it is widely known now that both Kelana Jaya Line (Formerly known as Putraline) Light Rail Transit (LRT) of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the North East Line (NEL) Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) of Singapore experienced major service disruptions two days ago.

Both events has received its own media coverage via Bernama and SinChew-i (of Malaysia) as well as Channel NewsAsia and Today (of Singapore). Bloggers have also sprung into action, including MageP’s Lab with entries on stranded passengers and a disgruntled commuter’s questions on the train operator’s emergency responses. Both entries are providing insights on the incident on the Malaysian side.

Upon discovering that there is a coincidental incident across the causeway while SK and I were cock talking over instant messaging, the unconscious mind of mine took over again, and comparisons began to surface, but this time, it ended up as a hastily written mail that ended up getting published as a Mailbag entry at MageP’s Lab (for I do not own a blog then). Now, for the sake of the obligatory first entry, here is the mail, re-produced:

Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:49:40 +0800
From: Will Hunting <huntingw@gmail.com>
To: skthew@gmail.com
Subject: Singapore MRT Service Disruption

Hi SK,
 
Talk about coincidence. Did you know that, on the same day when Malaysia’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) service went down, a similar event happened to our neighbour down south?
 
That’s right, Singapore has also suffered from a disruption in it’s Mass Rapit Transit (MRT) service. The North East Line(NEL), operated by public transport company SBS Transit came to a stand still as of lunch time yesterday.
 
Endless comparisons have been made between both countries has been going on since 1965. So as to adhere to “tradition”, here you go:
 
(The following comparison is made purely based upon information obtained from multiple news sources, and is subjected to correction)
 
Malaysia LRT Disruption
Line: Kelana Jaya Line(Formerly known as Putraline)
Train: Bombardier Advanced Rapid Transit
Trains Affected: 3
Passengers in Affected Train: 1000+/-
Stations Closed: ? (To my knowledge, Pasar Seni, Dang Wangi, Kampung Baru and KLCC would be affected)
Service Continuity: ? (Trains from disrupted stations towards PUTRA Terminal as well as the opposite direction towards Kelana Jaya should still be operational)
Cause: ?
Emergency Response Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Damage Control: ?
Major Complaint: “Why does it take so long for a rescue team to kick in?”
Operator Clarification: No
Service Resumed at: 9pm (the same day)
Previous Major Incidents of Disruption: ?
 
Singapore MRT Disruption
Line: North East Line
Train: Alstom Metropolis Cars
Trains Affected: ?
Passengers in Affected Train: 100
Stations Closed: 4 (Harbourfront, Outram Park, Clarke Quay, Chinatown)
Service Continuity: 11 stations beyond Dhoby Ghaut are still operational
Cause: Traction power line came loose
Emergency Response Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Damage Control: Clarification by SBS Transit (train operator) rail services director, free auxiliary bus and train service, refund for stranded passengers
Major Complaint: “Why are there no service disruption announcements at the stations to the incoming commuters?”
Operator Clarification: Yes
Service Resumed at: Subsequent morning
Previous Incidents of Disruption: Read
 
Fortunately, no casualty or injury were recorded for both incidents.

I believe nothing beats the assumption that the above comparison reflects the best of each country’s respective culture in governance, due to it’s very recent occurrence.
 
One practises transparency all the way to the management level officials, with the operator’s director making a media appearance and clarification interview at the site of disruption, while another remains “not contactable” at press time, yesterday, with no cause of accident mentioned.
 
One practises immediate response and damage control, while the other merely… (From the Malaysiakini letter, it seems to be a norm for PUTRA LRT commuters to expect glitches during rainy days even?!)
 
One’s citizens complains about being trapped too long in a train, while the other complains about having to walk a couple of extra hundred meters to find out there are no train service.
 
One thinks that “everything we have is good enough” while the other thinks that “everything we have should be better”.
 
Two nations of the same root with such contrasting differences. Forgive me for not replying your instant messages for the time being. Depression has just set in (again).
 
Regards,
Will Hunting

Recovering from such depression is not easy. It is even more difficult when you discover that a post-morterm for the Singapore MRT service disruption was held, while it would probably need the might of an opposition MP of Malaysia to make it to the country’s management.