Latest news with #NationalTransportPolicy
New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
We built the rail. But where's the city?
LETTERS: We've built trains. Modern, comfortable, world-class urban rail that connects homes to workplaces, suburbs to city centres, and now, even countries. Over the past 10 years, billions have been invested in rail infrastructure: MRT lines through Kuala Lumpur, LRT extensions, and now the RTS Link to Singapore. There's even talk of reviving the high-speed rail to connect Kuala Lumpur and Singapore again. Alongside this transport revolution, Malaysia has published impressive policies. The National Transport Policy champions sustainable mobility. The Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 lays out a bold vision for walkable, liveable districts. The National Low Carbon Cities Masterplan imagines a future where urban living means less traffic and more people-friendly spaces. These plans all have one thing in common: they promise to centre urban life around rail or what planners call Transit-Oriented Development, or TOD. But if you walk around many of our MRT stations today, what do you see? You'll likely find massive car parks, fenced-off lots, wide arterial roads, and disconnected buildings. Often, the nearest café or daycare is a 10-minute walk and not the nice kind of walk. You'll pass concrete, noise, and sometimes nothing at all. And if you're a wheelchair user or pushing a stroller, good luck. This isn't TOD. This is transport infrastructure without city-building. We've built the rail but not the city. Malaysia doesn't suffer from a lack of vision. Our policies and blueprints are aligned with the global best. The real issue is execution. Institutions remain fragmented. Rules are outdated. Projects are often planned in isolation. And the result is a disconnect between the rail we're building and the lives we're trying to improve. The problem starts at the top. Transport policy is led by the federal government. Land use, however, is controlled by the states. Local councils are caught in between; asked to enforce zoning and approve development, but without the authority or resources to shape big-picture outcomes. Everyone has a role to play, but no one is truly in charge. The federal agencies build the rail. The state decides what happens around it. The local council worries about drains, parking, and complaints. It's a well-intentioned system, but one where integration is often the first casualty. There are processes in place, like the One Stop Centre system, to streamline approvals, but these platforms focus more on form than function. They approve building plans and assess technical documents. What they don't do is get everyone, transport planners, housing authorities, local councils, developers, and the public around the same table from the beginning. Without that kind of early collaboration, we end up with trains that don't connect to homes, and homes that don't connect to anything at all. Then there's the policy gap between what's written and what's enforced. Our national plans are progressive and ambitious. But most are not legally binding. For instance, the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) from 1984 still govern building design in most councils. It mandates high parking requirements even next to MRT stations. It doesn't account for mixed-use developments or reduced car ownership. Developers must comply with outdated rules that run counter to everything TOD stands for. So even if they want to build something better, like car-lite homes, integrated shops, and walkable public space, the regulations pull them back. The housing sector and the transport sector also don't always speak the same language. While rail lines are being planned, land allocation for affordable housing or integrated development often comes later, if at all. Prasarana, for example, sometimes has to purchase land at market rate to build station-area development. In other cases, land is alienated by the state through political channels. There's no clear system. No guaranteed way to say, "This station will anchor a thriving neighbourhood." Instead, every project becomes a negotiation. This ad hoc approach creates uncertainty. For example, why is one station surrounded by condos and a mall, while another is next to an empty field and a highway off-ramp? The answer isn't always technical. It's institutional. In cities like Hong Kong, the rail operator is also the property developer. In Shenzhen, land use rights are tied to metro expansion. But in Malaysia, our agencies operate separately, with separate incentives and separate budgets. So instead of unlocking the full potential of public transport, we leave that value on the table. Even the siting of stations often misses opportunities. Ideally, stations should be located where they can do the most good, like in dense areas, with high walkability and economic activity. But too often, they end up in areas chosen for engineering ease or land availability. This might save costs in the short term, but it weakens long-term city-building. A well-placed station can transform a neighbourhood. A poorly placed one becomes a white elephant. And then there's the quiet, unglamorous issue of parking. You may not think about it much, but parking rules shape our cities more than we realise. In Malaysia, most councils require developers to provide two parking bays per unit, even next to MRT stations. That means more basement levels, higher costs, and more cars. It's a silent subsidy for car use, built right into the planning system. Some leaders have proposed changes, including Transport Minister Anthony Loke, but without coordination between federal and local authorities, reforms stall. Meanwhile, we keep building homes with parking but without access. Even pedestrian access is an afterthought. While major roads get generous budgets and long-term plans, sidewalks are often inconsistent, narrow, or absent altogether. The logic is backwards: we build for cars first, then try to squeeze in pedestrians and cyclists. But in a TOD city, walking is the first mode, not the last. Until we shift this mindset, no amount of rail investment will deliver the urban outcomes we want. And finally, the money. Infrastructure creates value; land around stations appreciates, tax revenues rise, and congestion drops. But we don't capture that value in any structured way. There's no national system for land value capture, no reinvestment framework, and little fiscal incentive for councils to support TOD. Prasarana's "rail plus property" projects like Jelatek or Ara Sentral are promising, but they're not standardised. Local councils, meanwhile, often lack the tools or financing to reinvest the gains from TOD back into the neighbourhood. So what do we do? We need to stop thinking of TOD as a design choice or a real estate model. It is a governance challenge. A legislative challenge. A budgetary challenge. And yes, a cultural one. If we want to get serious about TOD, we must do seven things. We need a dedicated TOD authority, not just for KL but for every urban region where rail investment is happening. We need to modernise the UBBL and introduce zoning overlays that support TOD principles. We need inter-agency housing-transport plans that start from day one and not year five. We need readiness audits to evaluate TOD performance by node, not by district. We need to create fiscal incentives for local councils to lead, not follow. We need a value capture framework that channels land appreciation back into public infrastructure. And most importantly, we need to put people, not cars, at the centre of how we build. TOD is not just about density or design. It's about dignity. It's about giving people the choice to live better; to walk to school, to cycle to work, to spend less on transport, and more on life. We have the policies. We have the rail. What we need now is the political will and the institutional courage to connect the dots. Because the train has arrived. But the city, not quite yet. Wan Agyl Wan Hassa n
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia forms maritime law reform committee to modernise shipping sector
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has officially launched the Malaysia Maritime Law Revision and Reform Committee (MLRRC) to modernise the country's maritime legal framework. Chaired by Federal Court judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, the committee will oversee reforms to align Malaysia's shipping laws with international standards. Transport Minister Anthony Loke presented appointment letters to committee members, marking the start of a phased review process. The initiative supports Budget 2025's legal and institutional reforms, aiming to enhance Malaysia's maritime trade competitiveness. Malaysia relies heavily on sea trade, with 94.6 per cent of its commerce conducted via shipping. The MLRRC will focus on updating key legislation, including the Merchant Shipping Ordinances of 1952 and 1960, as well as port-related acts. The committee includes 23 permanent members from government agencies, legal experts, and industry representatives. Eight ad hoc specialists in shipping, port operations, and international maritime law will provide technical support. 'The reforms will ensure Malaysia's maritime laws remain efficient and relevant,' the MOT stated. The review process is expected to continue into next year, supporting the National Transport Policy and sustainable maritime development. – Bernama
New Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Grab Malaysia's EV service launch to boost country's mobility, sustainability agenda
SEPANG: The introduction of electric vehicle (EV) services specifically for e-hailing by Grab Malaysia is expected to improve the quality of the transportation system at the country's main entry points, thus supporting the sustainable mobility agenda in line with national aspirations. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry (MOT) fully supports Grab Malaysia's initiative and is committed to expediting the country's transition to a cleaner, more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system. Grab Malaysia today also launched its 'EV-only ride' services as a booking option in the Grab application, and also set up an EV Lounge at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as an added convenience for users of its premium EV services. "The selection of KLIA as the launch location is very strategic, not only because of the high passenger traffic but also because it provides maximum exposure to domestic and international users regarding Malaysia's efforts to enhance green mobility," he said. Speaking at the Grab EV launch here today, Loke said that public-private collaboration is the key to successfully accelerating the use of EVs nationwide. According to him, the launch of Grab Malaysia's new initiative is a catalyst to expanding EVs nationwide, not just in the Klang Valley, but also in other major cities such as Johor Bahru, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. "The latest MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between Grab and several strategic partners, including EV providers and charging companies recently, reflects the conformity of the industry with the country's aspirations. "The MOT will continue to support such efforts and we urge more industry players to step forward and play their part in the country's decarbonisation agenda," he said. Through the National Transport Policy 2019-2030 and the Ministry of Transport Strategic Plan 2021-2025, Loke said electric vehicles have been identified as one of the main pillars to reducing carbon emissions and encouraging the use of green technology. Efforts being taken or will be implemented by the government include tax exemptions an incentives for EV purchases, installation of EV chargers and the use of renewable energy in the transport sector. Other efforts include the implementation of low carbon zones in urban areas and the provision of more widespread EV charging infrastructure, including on highways, shopping malls and airports. Meanwhile, Grab Malaysia director of country operations and mobility Rashid Shukor said the new initiative supports Malaysia's green mobility push with the introduction of an EV-only ride option for airport tourists. "By prioritising routes with high visibility and demand like KLIA, we intend to demonstrate the practicality and comfort of EVs, while increasing awareness among users. "This launch marks an important achievement is transforming the foundation of on-demand public transport towards low- or zero-emission modes, making sustainable mobility more accessible to both our driver-partners and passengers," he said. Grab EV will use BYD M6 electric vehicles, a seven-seater electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that offers passengers a quieter and smoother travel experience.
New Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Loke: Grab's first EV fleet at KLIA significant step in green push
SEPANG: The launch of Grab's first electric vehicle (EV) fleet at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) marks a significant step in Malaysia's green mobility push, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. "The launch of this EV service demonstrates the ministry's commitment to boosting the country's transition towards a cleaner, more efficient and environmentally friendly transport system," Loke said at the launch here today. Present was Deputy Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, Land Public Transport Agency director-general Datuk Azlan Shah Al Bakri, Road Transport Department director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, Grab Malaysia managing director Adelene Foo and Grab Malaysia country operations and mobility director Rashid Shukor. The service, which begins today, consists of 10 six-seater BYD M6s. The launch also marked the introduction of Grab's EV Lounge at the domestic arrivals concourse — a dedicated waiting area for passengers awaiting their booked rides. Loke highlighted the government's full support, saying that the move aligns with national policies and reinforces the government's commitment toward sustainable mobility. Under the National Transport Policy 2019–2030 and the ministry's Strategic Plan 2021–2025, EVs are a key pillar in reducing carbon emissions and promoting green technology. Loke said he hoped the launch would serve as a catalyst for the expansion of EVs in Malaysia. He acknowledged Sime Darby Bhd — the holder of the BYD franchise in Malaysia — along with Yinson and PlugIt, as key partners in supporting Grab's comprehensive approach "Such cooperation is key to accelerating EV adoption nationwide," he said.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Grab Malaysia EV service launch boosts green mobility at KLIA
SEPANG: Grab Malaysia has launched its electric vehicle (EV) service for e-hailing, marking a significant step toward sustainable mobility in the country. The initiative, supported by the Transport Ministry, aims to enhance transportation quality at key entry points like Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating EV adoption nationwide. 'This initiative aligns with Malaysia's decarbonization goals under the National Transport Policy 2019-2030,' he said at the launch event. Grab's new 'EV-only ride' option is now available in its app, catering to travelers seeking eco-friendly transport. The company also unveiled an EV Lounge at KLIA, providing added convenience for premium service users. Loke highlighted KLIA's strategic role, noting its high passenger traffic and visibility for both domestic and international users. 'Expanding EV services beyond the Klang Valley to cities like Johor Bahru and Penang will further drive green mobility,' he added. The government's support includes tax incentives for EV purchases, expanded charging infrastructure, and low-carbon zones in urban areas. Grab Malaysia's Rashid Shukor said the BYD M6 electric MPVs will offer passengers a quieter, smoother ride while promoting EV awareness.
