The tram is seen as a more suitable mode of public transport for Kuala Lumpur city to ease traffic congestion compared to the tuk-tuk, the motorised three-wheeler taxis popular in Thailand.

 

Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the ministry wanted a systematic public transport system.

 

"Actually, we want a busway or tramline which will be suitable for this busy, rapidly developing city. But we see the tram as a better option."

 

Tengku Adnan said this to reporters when asked about the suggestion from Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) chairperson Syed Hamid Albar to introduce the tuk-tuk in solving traffic congestion in the country's major cities, particularly Kuala Lumpur.

 

He was met after the handing over of contributions for the Post-Flood Assistance Mission at Menara Seri Wilayah in Kuala Lumpur today.

 

Spad reportedly planned to introduce the tuk-tuk by the end of this year. However, Tengku Adnan said Spad had not yet discussed that proposal with his ministry.

 

At today's ceremony, the ministry received contributions amounting to RM5.3 million from various corporate bodies, including Malaysia Land Properties Sdn Bhd, Berjaya Corporation, Pavilion Reit, Tradewinds Corporation Bhd and SkyWorld Development, as well as Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Eco World Foundation.

 

The contributions are for post-flood aid for flood victims in Kelantan, Pahang and Perak to lessen their burden.

 

Tengku Adnan thanked the corporate organisations and companies for their contributions.

 

"My target was RM3 million but it has reached RM5.3 million. You have shown that we Malaysians, irrespective of race and religion, care for the flood victims.

 

"I know you all came forward with a sincere heart. Well done and thank you," he said.

 

Also present were Deputy Federal Territories Minister J Loga Bala, the ministry's secretary-general Adnan Md Ikshan and Kuala Lumpur mayor Ahmad Phesal Talib.

- Bernama