Govt considering homes above train stations to ease congestion
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the proposal will involve building both public and private housing above train stations. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : The government is exploring plans to build housing above train stations to help ease traffic congestion, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.
He said the proposal is being studied in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and will require regulatory changes.
'This would involve building both public and private housing above train stations, with a portion set aside for the public,' Anwar said during a forum here.
Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the move marks a 'major policy shift' towards developing affordable housing near LRT and MRT stations, with the goal of reducing car dependency and making homes more affordable.
'We are discussing this with the housing and local government ministry. If implemented, it could significantly reduce car usage,' he told reporters.
Loke said the plan also includes reviewing car park requirements for developments near transit stations. Reducing these requirements would lower development costs and housing prices.
'If a project is close to a train station, we can cut down on parking needs. That makes the homes cheaper for buyers,' he said.
Prasarana president and group CEO Azharuddin Mat Sah said the public transport operator is looking into using its land near rail stations to support affordable housing.
'We have 15 plots of land. Seven are being developed. Previously, we focused on commercial projects with the highest bids,' he said.
'But now there's a shift in thinking. We want to develop affordable, high-rise housing so people can live closer to public transport.'
He said the eight remaining land parcels are being considered under this revised approach.
Drone transport not a priority
Touching on future transport modes, Loke said drone mobility is not a current priority.
'Drone-based transport is still at an early stage. There are many challenges – technology, regulation, operations,' he said.
'Passenger and cargo drone trials are ongoing, but for now, our focus remains on land transport.'
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