KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — The government will continue enhancing the public transport system and road network nationwide under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) via a range of initiatives, including new infrastructure projects, upgrading existing routes, and providing public travel subsidies.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said 1,200 buses and 300 Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) vans would be introduced to improve first- and last-mile connectivity, particularly in major urban centres.
In addition, 217 new passenger train sets will be introduced to increase the frequency and reliability of rail services.
“The government will also continue efforts to make public transport more affordable. This includes maintaining monthly travel passes and special concessions for students, senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), as well as continuing the student air ticket subsidy programme,” he said when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Anwar added that large-scale infrastructure development remains a key focus under 13MP to enhance inter-regional connectivity and drive inclusive, planned growth across surrounding areas.
Among the key infrastructure projects underway are the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which will connect Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang with the West Coast; the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electric Double Track, the Elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (E-ART) system in Iskandar Malaysia, and the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Penang.
“These efforts also promote transit-oriented development (TOD), integrating transport with housing, commercial hubs and public services,” he said.
The government would also continue upgrading existing routes and constructing new roads to ensure smoother and more efficient access.
Key infrastructure projects under focus include upgrading the PLUS Expressway along the Senai Utara-Machap stretch in Johor and the Juru-Sungai Dua stretch in Penang, the construction of the Lingkaran Tengah Utama (LTU) highway in Pahang and Kelantan, as well as the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah and the Trans Borneo Highway in Sarawak.
Attention is also being given to rural connectivity, with plans to build and upgrade 2,800 kilometres of roads during the 13th Malaysia Plan. Among them are Jalan Nanga Serau-Nanga Seranau in Kapit, Sarawak; the road connecting Sungai Air Tawar bridge to Hutan Melintang in Bagan Datuk, Perak; and Jalan Pos Sinderut in Lipis, Pahang.
“The road-to-rail initiative, aimed at shifting cargo transport from roads to rail, will increase rail usage from six to 13 per cent, and InsyaAllah, help reduce the risk of road accidents,” Anwar said.
— Bernama
