A STATE assemblyman here has welcomed the introduction of Rapid Penang On-Demand services by Rapid Penang, calling it a positive step in enhancing public transport accessibility in Penang, particularly in areas underserved by existing bus routes.
In his speech at the State Legislative Assembly Sitting today, Teh Lai Heng (PH – Komtar) expressed sincere appreciation to Rapid Penang for launching the service in the state.
“The new initiative is a demand-responsive service that connects passengers in limited-access areas to the main public transport network, offering efficient first-mile and last-mile connectivity.”
“Operating daily from 6am to 11pm, the service can be booked via the Kumpool application at a promotional rate of just RM1, and is free for users with the Mutiara Pass (My50),” Teh said in his speech.
He further noted that 50 vans have been deployed to support ROD operations across 13 areas. Sharing his personal experience using the service, he commended the concept but pointed out room for improvement.
“I have tried the service myself and found it to be a commendable initiative.
“However, I noticed inaccuracies in the estimated pick-up and drop-off times.
“For example, the application initially showed a 5-minute arrival estimate and a 7-minute journey time, but I ended up waiting over 10 minutes and the ride took around 20 minutes. That’s a discrepancy ranging from 12 to 40 minutes,” he added.
He acknowledged the shared-ride nature of the service compared to point-to-point options like Grab, but suggested that increasing the number of vans could significantly improve punctuality.
“If more vans are allocated, I believe these issues can be resolved, allowing passengers to reach their destinations on time,” he said.
Teh called on Prasarana Malaysia Berhad to consider increasing the van fleet to enhance the service’s efficiency, stating his confidence that improved service would encourage more Penangites to use public transport.
On a separate note, Teh also raised serious concerns about the rising use of electronic cigarettes and vape products, particularly among the youth, calling for stricter regulation or an outright ban on vape sales in Penang.
“Vaping is no longer just a social trend, it has become a growing public health and social concern among our younger generation.
“The high nicotine content, appealing flavours, and easy access have made vape products especially popular among teenagers, including school students,” he warned.
Story by Kevin Vimal