Study on TransBorneo Railway among plans
Published on: Fri, Aug 01, 2025
By: Bernama Text Size: TODs to be implemented include the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line and the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL), while completion of the 37-kilometre (km) LRT 3 project, ECRL and Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, both expected to begin operation during the 13MP, will boost integration and expand public transport coverage. Kuala Lumpur: THE Government has outlined four main strategies to boost infrastructure efficiency and encourage transition to public transport throughout the duration of the 13MP. The four strategies, contained in the 13MP document issued by the Economic Affairs Ministry, encompass the financial aspect of operators, transit-oriented development (TOD), infrastructure investment and restructuring rail administration and operations. The Government aims to identify a review mechanism to determine suitable public transport rates, based on the results of the Klang Valley Public Transport Strategic Plan to achieve 40 per cent modal share by 2030 from the current 25.9 per cent, and to reduce operation costs, especially for rail transport, by introducing special tariffs for the public transport sector. Such a move would also speed up TOD implementation through strategic partnerships between operators and the private sector in locations with potential such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan. TODs to be implemented include the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line and the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL), while completion of the 37-kilometre (km) LRT 3 project, ECRL and Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, both expected to begin operation during the 13MP, will boost integration and expand public transport coverage. Emphasis will also be placed on boosting first-mile, last-mile interconnectivity and more frequent and consistent bus service in major cities, especially during peak hours, as well as increasing pedestrian-friendly facilities at stations and parking areas. Also, rail capacity use will be optimised by adding the number of passenger trains through leases to ensure smooth mobility for the public, while a feasibility study for the Transborneo Railways project in Sabah and Sarawak is being conducted and will form the basis of the development of the first rail system in East Malaysia. The Government will also restructure rail transport sector governance by separating the functions of asset ownership and operations between related agencies such as Rail Assets Corporation (RAC) and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB). The use of tracks through a mechanism of various rail operators and imposing charges will be explored to offer more services to passengers and encourage more goods transport via rail. The document also highlighted achievements during the 12th Malaysia Plan, with public transport passengers in the Klang Valley growing at an annual growth rate of 18.6 per cent from 2021 to 2024, the sale of 2.7 million MY50 travel passes and the expansion of the Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) to over 33 zones around Klang Valley with 300 vans in 2025. Also in the same period, bus frequency went up by 35 per cent and the Mass Rapid Transit began its operations. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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