I refer to Zainal Abidin Salleh, the general manager, KTM Bhd's Komuter Service with regards to the state of KTM Komuter services .

I thank Salleh for his forthrightness and courage. However, this does not absolve him, the managing director, the KTM board of directors and the Transport Ministry from the inefficiency that is causing thousands of Komuter users immense hardship on a daily basis.

The reasons provided by KTM for its inefficiencies demonstrate the lack of proper management and utter disrespect for Komuter users. It is unimaginable that a national public transportation company that is more than 100 years old and with 12 years of specific experience in Komuter service can provide such excuses. This is indeed an embarrassment to Malaysia

I urge the following recommendations be put into place immediately to improve the Komuter service.

An independent regulatory body be set up to monitor and supervise the public transportation system in Kuala Lumpur. The main function of the regulator is to ensure efficiency and protect consumer interest. The regulator will have powers to penalise the operators for not meeting international best practices.

KTM to work with the National Productivity Commission and the independent regulator to develop international best practices. This best practices must be made known publicly and the should KTM fail to meet this standards, the regulator will penalise KTM and individuals responsible for not meeting the particular standards.

The Ministry of Transport and KTM to facilitate the setting up of a Komuter Users Groups that will have direct input to the Ministry of Transport and KTM. These groups will provide direct feedback on service standards and suggestions for further improvement.

That all KTM awarding of contracts be made public. This will ensure the highest standards are met at the optimal cost. Furthermore, the public will be able to take action against companies that provide sub-standard services to KTM.

I trust Salleh and KTM will have the courage and forthrightness to take the tough action required. After 12 years in operation, excuses cannot be tolerated.