MALACCA: The Sungai Melaka tourist monorail, which was suspended 10 days ago, experienced disruption of service 21 times from Oct 20, 2010, when it began operations, till Sept 30, 2011.
State Tourism, Culture and Heritage committee chairman Datuk Wira Latiff Tamby Chik said during that time, its operator, Malacca Taming Sari Sdn Bhd (MTSB), had to bear RM74,188.75 in operating losses.
“Operating costs throughout that period was RM205,573.25 compared to collections of RM131,384.50,” he said in response to a question from Betty Chew Gek Cheng (DAP-Kota Laksamana) at the state assembly sitting recently.
Temporary halt: The Sungai Melaka monorail has been suspended for the time being. He said the monorail ferried 16,011 passengers since it was launched until Sept 30 this year.
“The monorail will continue to operate because it is a viable tourism product for Malacca and is a lucrative long-term source of income for the state governement,” he added.
The Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) has suspended the monorail’s services until its operator met safety and facility aspects proposed by the commission.
On Nov 1, two British tourists had to be brought down using a five metre ladder after they were trapped for 20 minutes in a coach which had stalled due to technical issues.
Latiff said repairs on the monorail was still under a two-year warranty until Oct 19, 2012, whereby its costs would be borne by Agibs Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd as the manufacturing company.
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