KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- The enhancement of public transportation using the RM4.4 billion savings from the reduction of oil subsidy would also include transportation in the rural areas, but the public are advised not to expect things to change overnight.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said this fund was not only meant for public transport system in the urban areas but also for the rural areas such as river transportation in Sarawak.

"The Cabinet committee looking into this led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will not neglect the needs of the rural people," he told reporters after opening the Single Mothers' Convention organised by Wanita MCA here.

However, Chan said the enhancement of the public transport system would take sometime with a lot of upgrading, expansion and enhancement to be carried out.

"We cannot expect a system like London Metro overnight. London (transportation network) took 100 years to become what it is today," he added.

Chan said the state governments were already requesting and some had submitted proposals for consideration by the committee.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister said all Malaysians will benefit from better public transportation from the RM4.4 billion saved from the reduction in fuel subsidy.

Abdullah assured the public that the money would be spent on better facilities nationwide and not just in a particular city.

-- BERNAMA