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Redditors highlight SMRT Chairman’s 2023 ‘avoid overmaintenance’ remark after EWL disruption

Following the major disruption on the East-West Line (EWL) on 25 September, Reddit discussions highlighted a stark contrast between SMRT Chairman Seah Moon Ming’s 2023 remarks about avoiding “overmaintenance” and the current service reliability. Redditors criticised SMRT’s management, voicing concerns about an imbalance in the public transport system, where rising costs are not matched by reliable services.

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On 25 September, SMRT, Singapore’s train operator, experienced another major disruption, this time affecting the East-West Line (EWL). Regular train services between Jurong East and Buona Vista MRT stations will be unavailable on 26 September.

According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), The disruption was triggered by a power fault around 9:30 a.m., which forced the suspension of regular train operations between Boon Lay and Queenstown MRT stations for the remainder of the day.

The issue originated from a first-generation Kawasaki Heavy Industries train near Clementi station. This train encountered a mechanical fault in its axle box, leading to wheel derailment and damage to critical infrastructure, including the third rail and point machines.

While withdrawing the faulty train to the Ulu Pandan depot, a power trip occurred at 9:25 a.m., causing another train to stall between Boon Lay and Queenstown stations.

This marks SMRT’s third service disruption in a month, following a power fault on 17 September that affected Circle Line services and a subsequent fire at Kim Chuan Depot on 18 September, which caused brief disruptions to the same line.

In response to the latest disruption, Singaporeans took to social media to scrutinise SMRT’s repeated faults.

Many commuters described the service recovery as the “worst ever,” criticizing the lack of staff support to guide passengers to bridging buses or provide clear directions during the breakdown.

Criticism was also directed at SMRT’s leadership, particularly the CEO, for failing to take visible responsibility during these incidents, raising questions about the accountability and effectiveness of the company’s management—especially with fare increases on the horizon.

SMRT Chairman Seah Moon Ming in a 2023 interview: “We don’t want overmaintenance”

Discussion on Reddit recalled remarks made by SMRT Corporation Chairman Mr Seah Moon Ming in a June 2023 interview with The Straits Times.

He stated, “We never want to undermaintain because in the past, it was an issue. But neither do we want to do overmaintenance.”

At that time, the 67-year-old emphasised the need for high performance while also considering costs.

The ST even boasted about the reliability of SMRT’s train services has improved significantly since his appointment.

While acknowledging that SMRT can always improve, Mr Seah cautioned against excessive efforts to achieve ever-higher reliability scores, citing the risk of overspending public funds received through government grants.

Mr Seah mentioned that SMRT is leveraging technology such as data analytics to optimize its maintenance regimen and better predict when components need replacement. He noted that SMRT’s rail lines have consistently achieved a mean kilometres travelled between failures (MKBF) of over one million train-kilometers—a recognized international measure of rail reliability.

Separately, SMRT Group Chief Executive Mr Ngien Hoon Ping, who was appointed in August 2022, stated that the one million MKBF benchmark is sufficient from a regulatory standpoint. The former LTA chief noted that raising this bar yields diminishing returns and could be prohibitively expensive.

“If 99.9 per cent of the time the train is going to work, commuters will take the train. Once you reach one million MKBF, it is about there already, ” Mr Ngien said.

Reddit discussions highlight the stark contrast between SMRT Chairman and GCEO’s 2023 remarks and the recent disruptions

Observing comments on a Reddit thread discussion, evidently many make stark contrast with the SMRT Chairman and GCEO’s June 2023 remark with the latest disruption.

One Redditor criticized Mr. Seah’s statement that the company aims to avoid “overmaintenance,” describing it as a red flag and suggesting that he should have undergone communication training.

The comment emphasised that such thoughts should remain internal rather than being publicly aired.

Others contributed by speculating that a significant portion of SMRT’s maintenance budget has already been spent without yielding improved reliability, as evidenced by the recent breakdowns.

He proposed that fundamental changes to MRT infrastructure—such as extending station lengths and increasing train capacity—are necessary to effectively address the breakdown issues. They argued that these changes would reduce operational stress and enhance the overall lifespan of the trains.

A user expressed frustration regarding SMRT’s management and reliability issues compared to SBS Transit. The Redditor criticised SMRT as an organization, suggesting that it has failed to manage public resources effectively, pointing to the low reliability of the Circle Line as a key example.

” I think once and for all transfer all SMRT assets to SBS transit and wind down the company for good. The public had enough for this kind of issues once too many.”

Another user chimed in by referencing a previous remark from the ex-SMRT CEO about “deep-seated cultural issues” within the train operator.

The Redditor was referencing a remark made by then-SMRT GCEO Desmond Kuek in 2017, in which he acknowledged that the issues within the company had contributed to the major disruptions experienced since 2011.

While Redditor pointing out that the article is more than a year old and not a recent press release, other suggesting that that maintenance problems do not arise suddenly, indicating that there is often a delay between when corners are cut in maintenance and when issues manifest as significant problems.

“Costs Rise and Reliability Declines”

A comment expressed concern about the current imbalance in the public transport system, noting that while costs are increasing, the reliability of services is declining.

The comment warned that with Singapore’s continually expanding population, this situation could lead to more frequent breakdowns and subsequent fare hikes.

Another user questioned the maintenance and longevity of MRT trains by comparing them to cars, which are typically scrapped after 10 years to prevent issues that could disrupt traffic.

The user inquired about the expected lifespan of MRT trains, highlighting concerns about whether the trains are being adequately maintained and if they are reaching a point where they may become unreliable.

Just two weeks ago, the Public Transport Council (PTC) announced that bus and train fares will increase by 10 cents per journey for adult commuters starting on 28 December 2024.

One user proposed a suggestion that for every service interruption, a percentage should be deducted from the CEO’s salary to hold SMRT leaders accountable for the company’s performance.

However, another user dismissed this notion, arguing that rather than leading to accountability, such interruptions might instead prompt authorities to justify fare hikes as a means to cover increased maintenance costs.

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PAP Sengkang team show off Labubu doll dressed in PAP outfit

PAP Sengkang has introduced an unusual initiative to connect with voters ahead of the upcoming election: a Labubu doll dressed in full PAP attire, dubbed the “latest and cutest volunteer.” While some netizens found humour in this approach, others cautioned against politicising cartoon characters and questioned the funding behind the doll. Some urged the PAP team to focus on policy strengths and effective service to residents.

Published

2 days ago

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25 September 2024

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SINGAPORE: Lam Pin Min, the branch chairman of the Sengkang West branch of the People’s Action Party (PAP), showcased a unique twist on local politics by presenting a Labubu doll dressed in a full PAP uniform.

The doll, humorously referred to as his team’s “latest and cutest volunteer,” is catching the attention of netizens and toy collectors alike.

The Labubu doll, which has gained immense popularity among collectors, is known for its versatility as a keychain plush that can be dressed up like a traditional doll.

This particular version is outfitted in a t-shirt emblazoned with the PAP logo, matching pants, and sneakers, complete with a stylish pair of black-framed glasses.

A TikTok video featuring Lam alongside fellow PAP members Elmie Nekmat, Marcus Loh, and Theodora Lai, further popularized the doll.

They were seen passing the Labubu down the line at an HDB void deck before Elmie placed it in front of blue and red NTUC Fairprice tote bags.

The video aimed to highlight a grocery distribution welfare project aimed at assisting senior citizens in Compassvale Crescent.

@vpmlam

Groceries distribution to Sengkang senior citizens at Compassvale Crescent #TeamSengkang #SengkangGRC #PAP4SG #everyvotecounts #TogetherWeCan

♬ original sound – Lam Pin Min – Lam Pin Min

Netizens Advise PAP to Prioritize Policies Over Using Soft Toys to Win Votes

Mixed reactions emerged among TikTok users in the comments section of TikTok and Mothership’s Facebook post.

Some humorously wondered if Labubu had agreed to join the party, while another quipped, “I want the Labubu but without the clothes, can?”

Several comments suggested that the Labubu was a strategic move to attract the Gen Z audience, with one user noting, “Labubu to attract the Gen Z, good move.”

However, A comment cautioned against politicising cartoon characters like Labubu in Singapore’s political landscape.

He questioned whether the PAP team had secured the necessary copyright authorisation to use the cartoon character.

In a more critical tone, some users sarcastically accused the PAP Sengkang team of resorting to desperate measures to win votes ahead of the upcoming General Election in a Workers’ Party ward, while others scrutinised the funding behind the doll’s production.

Additional comments urged the PAP team to focus their campaign on the strength of their policies and their ability to serve residents effectively.

One comment remarked that most seniors would prefer a meal over a doll, questioning the wisdom of spending money on such initiatives for the election.

The Labubu character, an elf with sharp teeth, a mischievous grin, and long bunny-like ears, was created by Hong Kong-born, Belgium-based artist Kasing Lung.

Initially introduced in children’s books in 2015, Labubu has since transformed into a designer toy after Lung secured a licensing agreement with the billion-dollar Chinese toy company, Pop Mart.

Labubu’s popularity skyrocketed earlier this year, particularly in Southeast Asia, following its association with Blackpink’s Lisa, leading to sell-outs in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.

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Elderly men eating leftovers at People’s Park Food Centre spark concerns over rising living costs

A recent report revealed that elderly men have been seen eating leftovers at People’s Park Food Centre, raising concerns about their potential struggles amid rising living costs in Singapore. Online community are urging relevant agencies to reach out and understand their situations.

Published

1 week ago

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19 September 2024

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Singapore: A group of elderly men has reportedly been eating leftovers at in People’s Park Food Centre, as reported by Shin Min Daily News on Wednesday (18 September).

According to tips from readers, these elderly men have been spotted scavenging for food at the bustling food centre in Chinatown.

Witnesses noted that they not only take unfinished meals from tables but also search the dish return area for additional leftovers.

Several hawkers reported seeing multiple elderly individuals, including one specific man, frequently visiting the food centre to collect leftovers, although they were unaware of their identities and living situations.

A Chinese food hawker, who has worked there for over ten years, noted that at least three or four scavengers come daily, usually around 8 or 9 PM, and sometimes kind customers buy food for them.

Another stall assistant, Ms Ma, observed that diners often leave their tables, allowing the older man to sit down and eat the leftovers directly.

Cleaner Mr Quan mentioned that while he has seen the man taking food left by others, he has also witnessed him buying his own meals, suggesting he is not in dire financial need.

Additionally, Quan noted that these scavengers typically arrive around 10 AM and leave in the afternoon.

One Elderly Man Interviewed Attributes Leftover Eating Habit to Waste Prevention, Not Financial Struggles

Among the scavengers is Mr Wang, an 84-year-old resident of Bedok, who emphasised that he doesn’t want to waste food.

He told reporter, “I have a home and children, but it’s very lively here, so I come every day and go home in the evening.”

He acknowledged his habit of eating leftovers, stating, “It’s not because I lack money; I simply don’t want to waste food.”

He explained, “Some people order a lot and can’t finish it; sometimes a whole fish is left uneaten. ”

“When I see large plates of leftover food, I think it’s a waste, so I take it to eat, and it’s still warm,” he said, adding that other scavengers respect each other’s space and enjoy their own finds.

Not everyone supports the practice of scavenging for leftovers. Daniel Tay, a retired financial advisor and advocate for freeganism, expressed concerns about the potential dangers of consuming discarded food.

He pointed out that it’s often unclear how long the food has been left out or if it has been contaminated by animals or pests, which could lead to food poisoning.

“It’s extremely unhygienic. Diners might throw away food or toss used napkins into it, contaminating it further. If a diner gets sick, such as with the flu or COVID-19, they could pass the virus to someone eating the leftovers,” he warned.

Tay suggested a more proactive approach, encouraging people to ask diners if they can take home any uneaten food, which would help ensure the food is clean and raise awareness about food waste.

Netizens Urge Agencies to Address Challenges Faced by Elderly Amid Rising Living Costs

Comments on Shin Min’s Facebook page reveal that many netizens suspect the elderly men scavenging for food may be facing significant challenges and are urging relevant agencies to reach out to understand their situations.

Some are questioning whether the rising cost of living in Singapore is prompting individuals to resort to drastic measures to save money.

One netizen commented, “Every family has its own difficulties; who hasn’t faced storms and hardships? If you see an elderly person, please invite him to a meal. After all, we will all grow old one day. Whether it’s a blessing or a curse, only heaven and earth know. I believe that Singaporeans who see him will definitely invite him to a meal.”

Discussion on Singapore’s Hardwarezone forum also highlighted that many have witnessed similar situations, indicating that this issue is not new.

One netizen speculated that some elderly individuals might be facing mental health challenges. The user shared observation of an elderly woman in Little India who regularly collects cardboard and sells 4D lottery tickets. Despite receiving money from passersby, she continues her activities.

Another user recounted an experience of seeing an elderly woman eating directly from leftover plates and offered to buy her a plate of duck rice.

However, the hawker advised that it would be pointless, as the woman allegedly prefers eating leftovers to fresh food. The netizen expressed pity for her situation, noting that other customers had also tried to buy her a meal.

Not the First Time Elderly Individuals Spotted Scavenging for Leftovers at People’s Park Food Centre

This is not the first time elderly individuals have been spotted eating leftover food at People’s Park Food Centre.

In November 2022, 8World News reported that at least seven elderly people allegedly engage in such practice regularly at the hawker centre. These individuals typically search for unfinished food left on tables or at the tray return area.

At that time, in response to inquiries from 8World News, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) stated that they were collaborating with grassroots volunteers and hawkers to identify these elderly individuals and provide assistance if needed.

MSF encourages the public to report any elderly individuals in need of help by calling 1800-222-0000 or connecting them with local social service agencies through the OneService App.

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