NOV 20 — There is a new Triumph showroom near The Malay Mail office in Section 13 and I admit I have been ogling at those beautiful curves through the window every day.
I often fantasise about handling one of the models, gripping it hard with my arms and legs wrapped all over while enjoying every moment together.
But the guilt lingers when I head home. If my Pat Poh ever finds out, she will be devastated.
I’ve known Pat Poh for almost a decade. We’ve been through rain and shine together and she has never failed to disappoint me.
The Triumph I’m talking about is not the brand that sells female undergarments. It is the British motorcycle manufacturer.
The model I wish I could get my hands on is the Rocket III Roadster which boasts an engine capacity of 2294cc.
Pat Poh means busybody in Cantonese. But when said fast, it mirrors the sound of my 16-year-old 800cc cruiser.
Now why am I talking about my passion for motorcycles?
Because all I can do now is just fantasise about owning a vehicle, no thanks to the mess at the Road Transport Department (RTD) that has been hit by the mySikap system that has replaced Sikap.
I have decided to get a head start to renew Pat Poh’s road tax despite it only expiring in January. Lim, who handles my renewals, told me to be patient as there were still delays.
“It is frustrating as even the people manning the counters are clueless about the new system. One minute they say runners are not allowed, the next minute they say runners are allowed temporarily,” said Lim, who is also a second-hand car dealer.
“We have only been getting updates from the newspaper, especially The Malay Mail.
“What your paper highlighted on Nov 1 is so true as the long queues are horrendous.
“And then I read The Malay Mail report on Monday quoting the RTD director general (Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad) who admitted the system was problematic. Why didn’t they check it properly first?”
While the efforts to get transactions done online and curb fraud are noble, the manner in which the system has been introduced has inconvenienced motorists and car dealers.
A week-long pilot project was initiated in Perlis and Malacca before the nationwide launch. I wonder how many cars there are in Perlis for the system to be tested.
RTD will now set up an independent panel to investigate the system. So typical.
Why the haste in implementing the new system? Why wasn’t it thought through?
RTD should realise many motorists renew their licences and road taxes at post offices. Shouldn’t the department have ensured that the system was synchronised with post offices?
If RTD is eager to portray a clean image, try investigating claims that one is able to get a B full licence for RM1,800 without even sitting for any test.
What about the age-old RM300 “processing fee” which driving students pay to secure licences?
And now there are talks of scrapping 12-year-old cars from the roads. The safety of motorists is of upmost importance but if the ruling included bikes, then what would I do with my 16-year-old Pat Poh which is sturdier and performs better than most new bikes within its category?
This reminds one of another noble effort gone wrong — the setting up of Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). It was supposed to serve as a one-stop centre to streamline the intake of foreign students in Malaysia but since it started operations early this year, there have been numerous complaints of visa delays despite the RM1,000 processing fee.
Doctors now voice their grouses as they are unable to conduct health screening on the students — despite having done so before EMGS. Those on the panel question why they are paid only RM65 to conduct checks when EMGS collects RM250 from each student. From the RM250, RM200 goes to a medical group which the clinics are associated or affiliated with while EMGS retains the balance of RM50.
Then, we have the proposed new assessment rates by KL City Hall which has certainly irked city folk.
Problems often arise when stakeholders are not consulted. Theories and example of models from other countries may not necessarily work if local elements are not factored in.
One needs to be detailed and comprehensive to ensure the changes brought about are accepted by the masses.
With the proposed increase in assessment rates and other possible hikes, I doubt I can afford a new machine. And after considering all factors, perhaps a change is not needed and it’s best I stay loyal with something familiar — my Pat Poh.
* This is the personal opinion of the columnist.
