Being the only Malaysian media...

If there is anything that could be learnt from the MRT collision in Singapore today, Bernama correspondent Massita Ahmad said it is the need for Bernama to report fast.

“Bernama has to act fast as we are the only Malaysian media here,” said Singapore-based Massita.

She had received non-stop calls from Malaysian media colleagues in Johor wanting to know about the incident and when they could expect her story.

Massita had reported that an SMRT train had knocked into a stationary train at the Joo Koon MRT station, resulting in 29 passengers getting injured.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted at 8.33 am to the accident at the station on the west-bound direction towards the Tuas Link. There are five stops to the Tuas Link station from the Joo Koon station.

The Joo Koon station is on the East-West Line, popularly referred to as the Green line, and has 35 stations between the Tuas Link and Changi Airport.

The injured passengers had already been sent to hospitals, SCDF said, adding that many of them sustained minor injuries.

“The media was notified officially around 10am…After sending stories, I left office around 1pm to go to the hospital to check whether there were Malaysians involved,” said Massita.

“I simply took the train because nak buat tinjauan as well.

“I have to take the same affected line juga because it brings me to the hospital,” she said.

From the Bernama office at the Clarke Quay MRT Station, the train will get her to the Ng Teng Fong General Hospital where the nearest stop is the Jurong East station.

Massita did not take a taxi or bus because she would not be able to see the situations at the MRT stations.

“At that time almost reaching peak hours…But (there was) no congestion..

“SMRT staff were everywhere assisting commuters.

“I heard announcements made in the train about the situation..SMRT offers alternative transport mode for commuters,” she said.