Melaka govt studying proposals for cheaper, faster monorail service

MELAKA: The state is studying proposals for a cheaper, faster monorail service as the troubled RM16.5mil recreational monorail could not be used as a form of public transport.

Melaka public works, transport, public amenities and infrastructure committee chairman Datuk Roslan Ahmad said proposals by private companies on constructing a monorail system for the historic city are being reviewed.

"We have to take many aspects into consideration like the cost, viability and land acquisitions before arriving at a final decision," he said in an interview on Friday (Aug 21).

Roslan said the critical point of connection if the monorail project materialises would be from Ayer Keroh to Bandar Hilir.

"The purpose of studying the proposal also was to address traffic congestion. The Ayer Keroh-Bandar Hilir line would be part of the first phase before other towns are linked by the system," he said.

Asked whether there are plans to revive the recreational monorail, Roslan said he does not oversee the service.

"The recreational monorail is not under my portfolio," he said.

The recreational monorail that debuted in 2010 has since discontinued due to host of technical issues and lack of passengers.

Roslan said the state government is also hoping to revive the tram project that was first proposed in 2010, adding that a tram system would be a cheaper alternative as it could utilise the current road alignment.

"We are also hoping to connect the tram alignment from Ayer Keroh to Bandar Hilir," he said.

The project was reported to cost RM272mil when it was first proposed, and the system was planned to run on natural gas and cover 23 locations along a 40km route from Ayer Keroh to Bandar Hilir.

However, the project never took off as scheduled.