More electric buses among Prasarana's plan to improve public transport services
PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd will increase its use of electric buses as part of efforts to improve public transportation services, says its president and group chief executive Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah.
He was responding to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who said that public transport use in the country remained low at 25% when compared to other developed countries.
"We have presented Prasarana's full infrastructure agenda to upgrade public transportation the day after he (Ahmad Zahid) made the remarks.
"While the national target of public transportation modal share is to achieve 40% by 2030… the planning is very clear," he said at a press conference after the launch of the Vendor ESG Hub at Menara Prasarana here on Friday (May 16).
In terms of rail expansion, Azharuddin elaborated that Shah Alam LRT line is expected to be completed soon.
"The Shah Alam LRT line extension will incorporate significant eco-friendly features when it opens in September.
"These include smart LED lighting that adjusts to natural light, a smart air-conditioning system which is expected to reduce energy consumption by 32% and stabling yards for installation of solar panels.
Additionally, Azharuddin said the number of buses would be increased, with a focus on electric buses.
"We also have the Rapid KL BRT on-demand service, which is increasing in popularity among Klang Valley residents," he added.
Azharuddin also said Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion, has also decided to have more dedicated bus lanes.
"These lanes are crucial for ensuring buses can move more smoothly and frequently, enabling faster trips.
"We are also working closely with the Housing and Local Government Ministry to upgrade bus stations and pedestrian facilities for better access.
"This is part of a systematic solution that we believe will increase the modal share of public land transport," he said.
Azharuddin also said Prasarana is targeting a ridership of 1.5 million in 2026, compared to 1.3 million currently.
In a Facebook post on May 13, Ahmad Zahid said Japan had a public transport usage rate 73%, Singapore at 67%, and 63% for South Korea.
Earlier at the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Prasarana and UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei to launch a Vendor ESG Hub dedicated platform to introduce sustainable business practices for small- and medium-sized enterprises.
The new online platform will build capacity for Prasarana's 5,000 SME vendors through access to training, tools, and resources focused on environmentalism, sustainability and governance (ESG) principles.
"Participating vendors will also be guided to eventually develop their own sustainability reports, aligned with international ESG standards.
"Our impact as a public transport operator goes beyond moving people. We are helping to build a stronger business ecosystem – one that supports SMEs and delivers better services to the public," he said.
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