I need MRT Campaign – Waste of Public Funds
Even the total cost of the MRT line has not been finalized or revealed. And here in typical fashion, we spend money on some contest advertisements that I am sure no one can even recall now.
Teoh
The MRT was first introduced to the public at the open day held in February 2011. Since then, it has conducted many community engagement sessions to explain the need for the MRT, rationale for its alignment and adherence to environmental guidelines, all to obtain community support.
However, the recent ‘I need MRT’ campaign seems to be frivolous and a waste of public funds. The campaign ostensibly seeks Malaysians to post photos and a short description of why they need the MRT. Now, let us be absolutely clear here – Malaysians want, nay, clamor for better public transportation. The MRT received overwhelming public support during its public engagement, with MRT being quoted as saying over 90 percent of comments were in favor of the MRT. In fact, it was said that an independent survey confirmed this with over 85 percent saying it was good for the country.
Was it then necessary to run a TV, radio, digital advertisements on the rakyat’s money for 3 months, when the money and effort could be put to better use? The construction of the MRT is in full swing, with many concerns and frustrations from affected residents and communities that the MRT contractors are flouting the construction and other guidelines to meet timelines. Questions regarding early notification of disruptions to these directly impacted parties and public safety have yet to be adequately addressed.
Even the total cost of the MRT line has not been finalized or revealed. And here in typical fashion, we spend money on some contest advertisements that I am sure no one can even recall now. Can we get the cost of this advertisement campaign and the results?
Can anybody even recall a logo contest that was run last year? For a RM10,000 prize money, I hope the winning logo was used.
The MRT is a good 3 years away from completion and I am sure Malaysians can’t wait for it to be operational. But I am sure we are not ready yet to accept low impact advertising when there are bigger, more important issues to spend the rakyat’s money on.
