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SCMP Reporter

Q How can minibus safety be improved?

I refer to comments that appeared in Talkback on Wednesday and especially to Lawrence Choi's comments. Over one year ago, I wrote to the commissioner of transport to advise the department about products that were available to curb  speeding on  any means of public transport.

I received an acknowledgment and no more, which I find disturbing for a so called, proactive government. These products are relatively cheap and  readily available, yet I see no action from the authorities, at least in the form of a consultation paper. How many people need to be killed before action is taken?

Richard Miles Mellish, Mui Wo

I realise that minibuses are notorious for speeding, their drivers drive recklessly, having frequent fender-benders and worse. But I feel I must say a word in praise of my particular minibus line: No 22.

I live in Pokfulam and a flotilla of buses, large and mini, ply Pokfulam Road, which is minutes from my house. I have my pick to get into Central, yet I always try to catch a No 22.

Only once in nearly six years have I fallen victim to a madcap driver. All other times, they stop when they see me, wait until I am seated before taking off, never scream at me to pay the fare, and are otherwise very good drivers. Although I must admit one or two drivers do play their Canto-pop a few decibels above my liking.

Hasty generalisation, I learned in school, is a no-no as it often throws the baby out with the bathwater. I just want to save my dear No 22 from that unthinkable fate.

Sandi Butchkiss, Pokfulam

Asking a minibus  driver to drive more slowly is like asking the government not to fill the harbour.  Same thing! The day the government slows down its development is the day our minibus  driver drives slowly and safely. Is it possible? Everybody knows the answer.

Life is super-busy in Hong Kong and everybody is trying to make the most out of every minute: to sleep yet another minute, to finish the work at hand, to earn a few dollars more before they go to their next appointment. And the minibus  driver is there to make up the extra minute you have lost.

You should thank such a transport system, and such daring drivers. You curse them first or the second time you are swerved from one side to another on your seat. But soon, you get used to the speed and you even learn to enjoy the thrill and exhilaration. Carpe diem. (seize the day!)

Everybody coming to make a living in Hong Kong is making use of every single second to 'contribute' to the wealth of this city. Everybody is working overtime and everybody is thankful for the fast transport, the MTR, the minibus ... for getting them to their destinations  in the shortest time, and not the tram or the ferry where tourists can leisurely enjoy the scenery outside the window.

Can this city slow down? No. Can minibus drivers slow down? No. Slowing down would take away their business. They can only make a 'good' living by running a few rounds more.

So, to improve safety on minibuses, just install the safety devices used on  roller coasters. Everybody must be secured safely  before our mini-roller coasters race through our busy streets and highways. How's that for a change to the old idea of safety?

Zachary Ng Kwok-keung, Mei Foo

On other matters ...

Too often we experience good service and don't take the time to say a proper thank you. I will not let that happen this time.

I am writing to say a public thank you to the Four Seasons Hotel staff, who performed their duty in a manner that seems to have been forgotten elsewhere in the world.

I attended the annual Cancer Ball, co-hosted by the Belgian Chamber of Commerce, last Friday night  at the Four Seasons Hotel in Central. At dinner, I noticed that I had 'lost' my bracelet.

It was not only valuable in monetary terms but it had sentimental value, having been a gift from my husband. The members of my table helped me alert the security team of the event, and the security personnel of the hotel.

Within 15 minutes, the head of security, Frankie Lee, appeared at our table with my bracelet in hand. It had been found in the driveway, having slipped from my arm when I arrived by car. He did not want to accept any compensation.

It is rare in this day and age to encounter this level of integrity and service. The Four Seasons has a wonderful reputation worldwide for good service, which I have experienced elsewhere, but I am very impressed, and very thankful, that they are ever diligent in their performance  in Hong Kong.

Jennifer Saran, Pokfulam

I write in response to Max Burghgrave's correspondence about Hong Kong's stressful lifestyle in the Talkback column on October 24.  According to a report of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2002, out of the 30 million annual global deaths, 60 per cent are due to non-communicable diseases such as heart attacks, stroke, cancer and diabetes.

These leading diseases share key risk factors: unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, tobacco and alcohol use.

The lifestyle changes following economic blooming in developed countries in the past 40 years imply an overall reduction in physical activity in the community; an increase in fat content, reduction in fibre content as well as excess calorie intake in the diet.

In the United States, according to the Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention, non-communicable diseases  now account for 70 per cent of the deaths of  Americans and 75 per cent of the country's annual health-care costs.

Many developing countries that are moving to the 'urban lifestyle pattern'  showed an  increase in  these diseases. Between 1990 and 2020, according to the WHO, mortality from  heart diseases in developing countries is expected to increase by 120 per cent for women and 137 per cent for men, simply due to the unhealthy lifestyle changes, in particular poor diet and inadequate  exercise.

A balanced diet consists of 55 per cent total calories coming from carbohydrates, 15 per cent from protein and 30 per cent from fat. All of the three components are important and they have to be in balance.

Optimal water, fruit and fibre intake as well as less than 2,400mg per day sodium (salt) intake also play vital roles in a healthy diet. Unfortunately, modern dietary patterns in most developed areas in the world, including Hong Kong, have inappropriately high fat content, high total calories, high salt and low fibre.

According to many epidemiological surveys, this kind of unhealthy 'westernised' diet is a major cause of heart attack and stroke in developed countries.

It is extremely dangerous to be satisfied with what we have achieved so far and not to  look forward. In fact, we are facing new problems due to non-communicable diseases. A large-scale analysis done in the United States showed  obesity appears to shorten  life expectancy markedly.  Hence, we urge the community in Hong Kong to realise these health threats. We believe it is important to create a 'Better Health for a Better Hong Kong'. Concerning the burden to the health of Hong Kong people, the future is prevention.

Dr Gary Ko, Hospital Authority



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