By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, May 21 — The state government is looking into outlining long-term strategies for demand-responsive transit (DRT) services in Selangor to address first-mile and last-mile connectivity, said Ng Sze Han.
Sharing his experience during his recent visit to Japan, the state executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility said both countries are facing similar challenges, and stressed the importance of government support for the success of such initiatives.
He said among his goals during his visit was to exchange experiences in utilising the DRT service, as Osaka has implemented a similar system.
“We (Selangor) have to outline a long-term plan to ensure this project can be successfully implemented in key areas of the state, aimed at addressing first mile and last mile connectivity.
“If we want more people to use public transport, we have to overcome the challenges of first-mile and last-mile connectivity. DRT is a suitable service for Selangor,” he said at a press conference at the Selangor State Secretariat Building here today.
Ng said the state government and the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation took eight startups to the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 Global Startup Programme, where one of them won third place for pitching.
“I had the opportunity to meet Malaysian students in Japan and explain to them the Selangor government’s plans. They showed interest in returning to Selangor to work,” he said, adding that the interest was due to the construction of Asean’s largest integrated circuit design hub in Selangor.
The project will require approximately 300 engineers with backgrounds in electrical and electronics, mechatronics, and computer science.
