Rapid KL Truly Malaysia

Just when you think I'm gone forever, I'm back in whinging mode again. This time it's our beloved public transport in Klang Valley, namely Rapid KL. Not to be horrible, but everything in Malaysia just seems to be a beat slower than other countries (except for our reckless drivers on the road), even getting on a bus! Apart from most people just love being so "laid back" and moving ever so slowly, this prepaid ticket device called Touch 'n Go also gets in the way.

Touch 'n Go Device

There is only 1 device installed each at the entrance and the exit of the bus (some hidden in a narrow corner), so passengers will have to crowd to one corner to tap their cards on the device. Whilst doing that, they get in the way of those paying with cash, and vicé versa. What's worse is that, despite the card being called Touch 'n Go and the device clearly says "touch", the last thing you can do is touch! Because the device will then tell you off in a very slow tone: "Please touch again", ironically. The trick is to aim the card to the device at the distance of about 1 inch away from the device, and stay there for a few seconds with very stable hand until it beeps. So even if there are only10 people getting on the bus, it could take up to 10 minutes.

And the process repeats when passengers get off the bus. Joy!

Missing emergency hammer

Just this morning I noticed another thing on the bus. All of the emergency hammers on the bus are gone! The first thing I thought was: Oh no, what if there is an accident? How are we going to get out if and when the bus toppled over? But even before I finished thinking about that, a second thought sprung into mind: it's probably due to the vandalising nature of a large number of people here (just look at all the public facilities and tell me if I'm being fair), that it may be safer to take them away.

But hey I could be wrong, what do I know? We live in a bizzarre world. And I'm only a passerby in the Galaxy...

And by the way if you work for Metro buses, don't start giggling, because you are worse!

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