RECENTLY, I had the privilege of travelling in an express coach from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Although Cambodia is not as advanced and developed as Malaysia, and their coaches not as luxurious, when it comes to service, Cambodians are tops.

All passengers’ luggage is checked in with receipts issued. On reaching our destination, all luggage was accounted for as they were checked against counterfoil receipts before being released.

The Cambodian coaches have toilets at the back. Why can’t ours be the same ? No doubt we have plenty of rest places along the highway, but there are drivers who refuse to stop unless they want to ease themselves.

Long-distance travellers, especially the elderly and those with bladder problems, would welcome such a facility.

Mineral water and snacks are served. There is always a guide accompanying every long-distance coach taking care of the passengers’ needs, comfort and welfare. Here, of course, we don’t have this.

I do hope the transport minister will take note of the above when coach operators demand fare increases.

Chuah Cheong Cha

Source: NST – October 15, 2008