Welcome back! The long hiatus was due to a lot of reason, mostly lack of time, lack of motivation, but never lack of material. Tons of material has been thought up for this site. I shall slowly resume my blogging.
For the pass two months or so I have been back in my hometown, Penang. During my time there I have taken some photographs as evidence of why Penang or Penang Government, both state and local, suck.
A few days after I reach Penang, the first thing I did was travel on the new public transportation system, RapidPg. While the condition and the ride was above par, the fare was extremely unreasonable. To get from Tanjung Bungah to Chung Ling High School required RM2.50 one way trip. I was travelling with my brother. Had we both taken the bus to and fro, it would have cost us RM10 in total.
RM10 could have bought us 5.2L of petrol in Malaysia, at the current heavily subsidised oil price of RM1.92/L. Driving in our extremely luxurious Toyota Camry, 5.2L of petrol could have driven us about 42.7 KM. Coupled with the fact that the luxurious yet oil guzzling Camry can carry a maximum of 5 passengers, it makes total economic sense to travel by car in Penang.
For those not mathematically inclined, here’s the breakdown. To get from Tanjung Bungah to Chung Ling High School and back:
By RapidPenang : RM 5.0 per person x 5 person = RM 25.00
By Toyota Camry : 20KM ÷ 8.2KM/L x RM1.92/L = RM 4.68
MY GOD. A difference of RM 20.32! A savings of more than 81%. Assuming the fuel is unsubsidised in Malaysia, at a modest RM3.20/L we are still only spending RM 7.80 to transport 5 person for 20KM. In fact, it IS still cheaper if the car has only one person. We are also talking about our luxurious Toyota Camry. Imagine how much you can save by driving a much more fuel efficient car.
Lesson:
1. Oil is definitely too cheap in Malaysia. (and Anwar is still talking about reducing oil price – totally crazy)
2. Driving even a Benz is definitely cheaper than public transport in Penang.
Vote CAMRY! NOT Rapid!
Sorry mother earth, I have to let you down again. For simple economic reason. (At least that’s the case in Penang)