News

Recently, Scoot announced plans to begin flights from Singapore to Melaka ( , Aug 6). I am disappointed at the news, especially considering Singapore’s commitment to reducing the effects of climate change. A flight between Singapore and Melaka, at a distance of only 200km, is likely to take almost four hours of total travel time (accounting for Changi Airport’s recommendation to check in at least two hours before the departure time of a flight, a 55-minute flight time, the need for arrival procedures in Melaka, and possible last-mile transportation). This is comparable to the three or four hours it takes to drive or the roughly five hours taken by bus, making the flight unnecessary. Why not look at alternatives? The proposed Singapore-KL High Speed Rail would have a stop in Melaka, and would make the trip in less than 1½ hours, around half the total travel time of flying.