Sabahan starts 10-sen van service to hospitals

He says he was inspired by a similar service in KL that was introduced by Kuan Chee Heng.

PETALING JAYA: Those who need to get to hospitals and health clinics in Sabah can now hire a van for just 10 sen, thanks to an initiative by businessman Achmad Noorasyrul.

Achmad said his project was inspired by Community Policing Malaysia Association president Kuan Chee Heng’s 10-sen taxi rides to hospitals and clinics in Kuala Lumpur.

“I’ve never met the man face to face, but I’ve been an avid follower of his posts on Facebook,” he said.

Asked how he would be able to sustain the project on such a low charge, he said he wasn’t too worried because he had another business.

“I largely run the service on my own, though from time to time my closest friends and relatives would help out. As for sustaining the project, as long as my company is still making a profit, then this project will continue.”

Achmad said he would, in due time, install a stretcher in his Hiace Window Van.

Kuan told FMT he was delighted to hear that his initiative had led to a similar service in Sabah.

“This is something that matters for the poor people,” he said. “They often have to use unreliable modes of public transportation just so they can get to a clinic or hospital,” he said.

“Often times these people have to bear either hot or rainy weather while they’re sick just so they can get a little medicine. I’m glad Achmad from Sabah realises this as well.”

He also said he had heard rumours that some people in Penang were interested in starting their own 10-sen taxi service to hospitals. -Mkini