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Malaysiakini
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Ensuring equity and accountability in 13th M'sia plan
LETTER | The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) welcomes parts of the 13th Malaysia Plan, including those addressing key issues such as stagnant wages, affordable housing, transportation, healthcare and food sustainability. While the initiative is commendable for aiming to improve the living standards of those in the B40 and M40 income groups, the government must ensure close monitoring of expenditures to prevent leakages. A total of RM227 billion, or 53 percent of total development expenditure, has been allocated to support infrastructure, digital infrastructure, public transport, flood mitigation, affordable housing and capacity-building projects. An additional RM133 billion has been earmarked for the social sector, including education and healthcare. We urge that all expenditures be carried out transparently and through open tender to ensure that the intended target groups benefit fully. Public transport in Malaysia has seen a long period of decline, with a significant shift towards private vehicle ownership. This trend has led to worsening traffic congestion, limited parking availability and growing demand for highway expansion. To address these issues, the government has had to commit substantial funds. However, increased spending alone does not solve the fundamental problem. What the country urgently needs is an efficient public transport system that incorporates first and last-mile connectivity through demand-responsive transit (DRT). This would reduce or even eliminate the need for constructing multi-storey car parks and allow commuters to avoid crossing busy highways. For those in the lower-income group, public transport offers significant relief. It removes the financial burden of car loans, high maintenance costs and other related expenses, enabling them to allocate their monthly income to more essential needs. However, to be truly effective, public transport must be designed with people's needs in mind. It must be affordable, especially for the B40 group, and convenient, with DRT systems providing flexible access. It must also be reliable and punctual to build public trust and encourage widespread use. Public transport services should be operated by the government, at least in the foreseeable future, as profitability should not be the primary concern. We believe the government should establish a national Housing and Development Board rather than continue to rely so heavily on private housing developers. We had previously called for the creation of such a board to take charge of affordable housing development on land owned by the government and public authorities. The proposal to adopt the Industrialised Building System and Building Integrated Management is timely, as these methods offer more consistent quality, faster construction times, and lower costs. We also support the expansion of initiatives such as the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Rent-to-Own programme, which will help more low- and middle-income Malaysians become homeowners. Those in the B40 group should not be excluded from home ownership or left in uncertain rental situations where they may be forced to move or face unexpected rent increases. To ensure the success of the 13th Malaysia Plan, the government must also promote transparency and inclusive public participation throughout its implementation. Regular audits, public disclosures, and accessible feedback mechanisms will help strengthen trust and encourage civic involvement. Development efforts should also be guided by long-term sustainability principles that balance economic progress with environmental care and social fairness, ensuring that no community is left behind. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
The Star
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Experts praise plan to reduce reliance on roads
Railway overhaul: A file photo of KTMB cargo containers parked on tracks near the Setia Jaya station in Petaling Jaya. Experts say rail freight infrastructure needs to be improved to support the government's plan to shift more people and cargo away from roads under 13MP. PETALING JAYA: Transport experts are optimistic about the positive effects of the government's plan to shift more people and cargo away from roads under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Road safety expert Law Teik Hua said the government's plan to push for increased adoption of its road-to-rail initiative was necessary to reduce heavy traffic on busy highways. 'This is a good first step towards reducing dependence on road transport by getting the logistics sector to switch from only transporting goods using large trucks. 'This may take a lot of load off key roadways like the North-South Expressway, resulting in lower carbon emissions as well,' he said. However, Law said for the plan to work, rail freight infrastructure needs to be improved so that it can compete with vehicles in terms of cost, flexibility and reliability. 'People can also lose faith in rail as a viable option if there are delays in maintenance or service,' said Law, who heads Universiti Putra Malaysia's Road Safety Research Centre. He also praised the government's plan to add 300 Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) vans, 217 new train sets, and over 1,000 new buses to the public transport ecosystem. 'This is a big step towards fixing the last-mile connectivity problem. 'By reducing the existing load on extremely congested routes like the LRT Kelana Jaya and MRT Kajang lines, passengers might finally see wait times between trains cut down to reasonable periods and less overcrowding. 'This would make rail travel much more comfortable, convenient and competitive. 'But infrastructure, maintenance and integration too must be updated and modernised to keep up with the growing fleet,' he added. Malaysian Public Transport Users Association president Ajit Johl said the push to get logistics companies' trucks off the roads would help reduce accident cases. 'The challenge now will be on the government's ability to get these companies to come on board, as rail transportation may not be feasible for all forms of cargo. 'Last-mile delivery challenges might also be an issue, so we suggest setting up a task force to learn why rail usage is low,' he said. However, Ajit said the government must consider removing or lowering the current fuel subsidy once the planned increase in the number of trains and buses is operational. 'It would not make much sense to continue subsidising petrol at such low prices if they want to encourage public transport adoption,' he added. Zac Cheong, vice secretary of Transit Malaysia, acknowledged that increased public transportation is a positive step. 'In countries like Hong Kong and Singapore, they have between 5,000 and 8,000 buses. 'If we want these services to be efficient, we need a large number of buses and vans, especially in the Klang Valley. Otherwise, it will not be impactful,' said Cheong. He highlighted that with a Klang Valley population of around 10 million, the public transport services must match this scale to truly benefit the people. Cheong also suggested that if a DRT service proves popular in a certain area, a dedicated bus service should be introduced to accommodate the demand. This comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would focus on promoting its road-to-rail initiative to shift cargo transport away from roads with the goal of raising rail usage to 13%.
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
State leaders laud 13MP as catalyst for inclusive, high impact development
KUALA LUMPUR: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday is expected to redesign the nation's economic and development landscape towards a more inclusive, sustainable and responsible future. In SELANGOR, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari welcomed 13MP as a comprehensive plan that complemented existing state initiatives as well as uplifted communities. He said a key highlight was the development of Carey Port in Kuala Langat, expressing the state's readiness to cooperate with the federal government to expedite the project, which was set to alleviate congestion at Port Klang. Amirudin also praised the plan to add 300 Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) vans, 1,200 buses, and 217 train sets to improve public transport access, especially for those in the Klang Valley. Featured Videos He also lauded the recognition of waste-to-energy (WTE) technology and the government's pledge to create 1.2 million new jobs in manufacturing and the digital economy, which would benefit graduates in the state. In PAHANG, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail hailed the establishment of the National Food Production Hub as a timely and necessary initiative, especially for the East Coast region. "We thank the federal government, as the east coast needs such a development hub. "At the state level, we've already planned a Halal Hub, and implementation is underway. "We have identified and prepared the site to ensure the Halal Hub in the state becomes a reality," he said, noting that federal support would be vital for its success. In NEGRI SEMBILAN, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun welcomed the government's priority on building and upgrading public hospitals, including Tuanku Jaafar Hospital 2, as proof of its commitment to public well-being. He also praised the inclusion of the Sungai Gemencheh Flood Mitigation Project in Tampin, which was expected to significantly reduce flood risks and safeguard the welfare of affected communities. In PERAK, State Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said the development of the third regasification terminal in Lumut would boost national energy security and reinforce Lumut's role as a regional energy hub. He said the project was expected to attract high-quality investments in clean and sustainable energy sectors, support industrial growth and create local employment. At the same time, he said the establishment of Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC) and the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) would expand industrial development to coastal areas such as Manjung and Kerian. Meanwhile, in SABAH, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup welcomed the special focus on Sabah, including the development of the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, upgrades to biodiesel blending depots in Sandakan and Lahad Datu, and strategic infrastructure projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway. Kurup, who is also deputy agriculture and food security minister, said the five-year plan offers new hope for Sabahans by closing the development gaps and unlocking economic opportunities, particularly in agriculture, a key sector for the state's rural communities. He also emphasised the importance of rural youth involvement through TVET programmes and TVET Madani financing schemes, which are expected to create a new generation of skilled agropreneurs, in line with the government's goal of creating 1.2 million new jobs by 2030. In PENANG, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the plan's focus on digitalisation, advanced technology and the development of a values-based Madani social system aligned with the state's vision under Penang 2030, which was introduced in 2018. "As the 'Silicon Valley of the East', Penang appreciates the high-value projects listed, which promise strong investment returns. This proves that the state remains a significant contributor to national investment. "It also supports the national ambition to remain a leading player in the high-value semiconductor industry," he said in a statement. Chow said infrastructure projects such as the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) and upgrades to the Plus Highway from Juru to Sungai Dua would enhance existing facilities and improve connectivity across regions. On the proposed expansion of the Penang International Airport (PIA), Chow said it would enhance the user experience, and hoped it would be completed as scheduled to boost inter-regional connectivity. During the tabling, Anwar said the 13MP aims to rechart national development by outlining policies, strategies, and initiatives to build a united nation. – Bernama
Barnama
31-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
13MP: Government Continues To Improve Public Transport System, Road Network Nationwide
KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The government will continue enhancing the public transport system and road network nationwide under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) through a range of initiatives, including new infrastructure projects, upgrading of existing routes, and the provision of travel subsidies for the public. 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, he said 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. He 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,' Anwar said. He added that the government would also continue upgrading existing routes and constructing new roads to ensure smoother and more efficient access. He said 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; 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.
The Sun
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
13MP: Malaysia boosts infrastructure for connectivity
PETALING JAYA: The government will prioritise large-scale infrastructure development under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to strengthen regional connectivity and drive planned growth across the country, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in Parliament today. Among the key projects identified are major rail and road developments, including initiatives on both the east and west coasts, as well as infrastructure improvements in Johor and Penang. Several flagship transport projects are set to enhance inter-state mobility and support economic zones along their routes. The plan also aims to accelerate transit-oriented development (TOD), integrating transportation with housing, commercial activity, and public services to create more connected and livable urban centres. To further strengthen public transport in major cities, the government will expand first- and last-mile connectivity. This includes the addition of hundreds of new buses and demand-responsive transit (DRT) vans, along with 217 new passenger train sets to improve service frequency. Existing highways and major roads will be upgraded, while new highways are slated for construction across several states. These improvements are expected to ease congestion, shorten travel times, and boost logistics efficiency. 'Rural connectivity will not be left behind, with 2,800 kilometres of rural roads set to be built or upgraded under 13MP in a bid to bridge development gaps between urban and remote areas. 'Key projects include the Nanga Serau–Nanga Seranau road in Kapit, the Sungai Air Tawar Bridge–Hutan Melintang road in Bagan Datuk, and the Pos Sinderut road in Lipis, among others.' Anwar also highlighted the government's 'road-to-rail' cargo shift strategy, aimed at increasing the share of freight transport by rail from 6% to 13%. This is expected to reduce heavy vehicle traffic and road accident risks. He stressed that these infrastructure investments are crucial for building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Malaysia.
