The Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM) congratulates the prime minister and MRT Corp for successfully completing and launching Phase One of the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) line which covers 12 stations and spans 23km from Sungai Buloh to Semantan.

This commendable mammoth achievement is indeed a historic and proud moment for all us Malaysians. Not only has it been completed on time but also it achieved huge RM2 billion cost-saving. This success implies that massive public infrastructure projects can be completed on time within budget if they are managed professionally and transparently, led by people with integrity.

The MCM hopes that lessons from this will be similarly applied to other public infrastructure projects as well.

For urban consumers, this will not only provide convenience but also help mitigate cost of living issues, as we now have an alternative mode of transportation. Cost-saving on fuel and parking expenses when moving around places is indeed a relief.

While this achievement is commendable, we hope that issues of efficiency, affordability, reliability, safety and convenience will continue to be stressed by its operators. Without these corresponding elements, consumers will continue to lament.

Modern public transportation infrastructure is a core component in achieving a developed nation status. When the entire project transportation blueprint is completed and fully operational, it will be a catalyst of socio-economic development for our country, fruits of which will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Hopefully the remaining line will be similarly completed and to all involved, well done!

DARSHAN SINGH DHILLON is president, Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM).