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Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Inject funds to boost public mobility, say transport experts
Public transport facilities in rural areas must be improved to match those in urban areas, such as the MRT system, according to transport experts. PETALING JAYA : Strengthening Malaysia's fiscal and financial position offers an opportunity to revitalise public transport systems for long-term public benefit, says a transport consultant. Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, founder of transport think tank My Mobility Vision, said this effort requires long-term commitment, political courage and the ability to reprioritise fiscal allocations. He said many rural residents still relied heavily on private vehicles due to poor bus services, incomplete route coverage and neglected infrastructure. He said this restricted their mobility and limited access to economic and social opportunities. Wan Agyl Wan Hassan. 'Now is the right time to take bold steps — redirect targeted RON95 fuel subsidy savings into public transport and public mobility,' he told FMT. According to a 2023 report by the Land Public Transport Agency, more than 70% of Malaysians still depended on private vehicles for daily travel. A study by the Malaysia Institute of Transport last year found that only 30% of highway users were willing to switch to public transport — provided it is more accessible. In the 2025 budget, the government allocated funds to the transport ministry to improve public service quality and reduce living costs. About 44% of that funding went towards public transport subsidies, including land rail services and air transport. Gary Foong. Key initiatives included continued subsidies for the My50 (RM50 unlimited monthly travel pass) and Mutiara Pas (for Penang), with an allocation of RM226 million. These were expected to benefit more than 180,000 users in the Klang Valley and the north. Transport expert Gary Foong echoed Wan Agyl's view, urging a stronger shift from private vehicle use to public transport to ease traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Johor Bahru. 'This initiative also supports carbon emission reductions and promotes a more sustainable low-carbon economy,' he said. Rosli Azad Khan. Another transport expert, Rosli Azad Khan, also stressed the need to improve rural public transport using savings from targeted subsidies. 'Conduct thorough studies and analysis to ensure the aid truly benefits those in need,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Free Malaysia Today
Poor first, last mile connectivity hinders public transport use, say experts
Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said the low usage of public transport contributes to high vehicle density on the roads and leads to severe congestion, especially in major cities like Kuala Lumpur. PETALING JAYA : First and last mile connectivity is one of the main problems the government must address to increase confidence in the use of public transport, says a transport consultant. Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, founder of the transport think tank My Mobility Vision, said many Malaysians still prefer using their own vehicles as they lack easy access to MRT or LRT stations from their homes. The absence of frequent feeder buses and the lack of pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly infrastructure also contribute to the challenge, he said. Wan Agyl said this situation contributes to high vehicle density on the roads and leads to severe congestion, especially in major cities like Kuala Lumpur. Wan Agyl Wan Hassan. 'Issues like the absence of first-mile and last-mile connections, bus delays, irregular schedules, and poor integration between buses, rail, and other services make people prefer driving their own vehicles,' he told FMT. 'Cities like Singapore, Seoul, and Tokyo have not only succeeded in changing public attitudes toward public transport but, more importantly, have created systems that are truly user-friendly, reliable and fully integrated. 'Without such systems in place, awareness campaigns alone will not change anything.' Wan Agyl added that the National Transport Policy (NTP) and National Automotive Policy (NAP) must be aligned to avoid conflict, especially regarding the country's goal of achieving 40% public transport usage while continuing to develop the automotive sector. 'As long as these two policies are not harmonised, the country's aspirations toward the widespread use of public transport will remain stalled,' he said. He was responding to deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement on Tuesday that the country's 25% public transport usage rate could be improved with a shift in user attitudes through a combination of reliable public transport systems and comprehensive awareness campaigns. Road transport expert Law Teik Hua said it is crucial to solve poor first- and last-mile connectivity before raising public awareness about public transport. Law Teik Hua. 'Awareness alone is not enough if the public transport system itself is not user-friendly, reliable, or doesn't reach where people live,' the Universiti Putra Malaysia academic said. 'People will choose public transport when it is easier, affordable, and dependable. If they have to walk far to a station, wait too long, or face overcrowding, they will return to using cars.' Law said providing a nationwide public transport system requires long-term planning, a lesson Malaysia could learn from Singapore. He said while public transport is easier to plan in Singapore compared with Malaysia due to the former's smaller footprint, the basic principles of long-term planning, consistent investment, and integrated systems remain relevant. 'Malaysia can learn from Singapore's success in integrated transit planning, smart pricing strategies, and data-driven approaches to improving service quality,' he said.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Transport consultant: Were previous task forces' findings ever made public?
KUALA LUMPUR: A transport consultant has criticised the authorities for failing to make public the findings and recommendations of task forces set up in response to major road accidents. Wan Agyl Wan Hassan questioned the usefulness of such committees, citing a lack of transparency and follow-through. This comes following reports that a task force will be set up to investigate the accident that killed nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) members in Teluk Intan on Tuesday. "We have been here before. Every time there's an accident, we hear promises that a task force will be set up," Wan Agyl told the New Straits Times. He cited task forces formed after the 2013 Genting Highlands bus crash, which killed 37 people, and the 2024 Ayer Keroh crash, which left seven dead and 33 injured. "What happened to those task forces? Were the findings ever made public? Were they even completed? "I don't think so. Most of us have never seen any reports, no press conferences explaining what happened, no honest updates. Just silence." Wan Agyl said the real questions were whether Malaysian roads had become safer, whether dangerous lorries had been taken off roads and whether company owners cutting corners were being held accountable. "We don't see the results. We keep waking up to news of more accidents, more deaths and condolence messages." He said the continued presence of unfit drivers and poorly maintained lorries on the road, despite strict regulations, raised questions over enforcement and corruption. Wan Agyl said the country did not need another task force, but rather the resolution of long-known systemic issues. "A lot of the time, the driver takes the blame but the problem does not boil down to just one person. "It is systemic. From the failure to ensure vehicle roadworthiness or assess a driver's fitness, to the lack of enforcement and the accountability of transport company owners. "If we don't resolve these issues, we will keep seeing more and more accidents," he added.
Free Malaysia Today
06-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
It's time we build on our strong logistics infrastructure
From Wan Agyl Wan Hassan As Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship in 2025, we are presented with an exciting yet humbling opportunity. Chairing Asean is a moment of pride, but real leadership demands honest reflection and pragmatic action. Malaysia's logistics infrastructure is strong, with Port Klang handling an impressive 14.06 million TEU containers in 2023 and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas managing 10.48 million TEUs, keeping both ports among the busiest in the world. Our logistics performance is improving, with Malaysia climbing from 32nd in 2016 to 26th in the 2023 World Bank's logistics performance index, marking a significant advancement. ADVERTISEMENT VIDCRUNCH Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Quality Auto Back 360p 240p 144p Auto Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x / Skip Ads by However, challenges remain. Our neighbours are progressing rapidly, with Singapore's ambitious Tuas Mega Port set to handle 65 million TEUs annually upon full completion, dramatically boosting their maritime dominance. Vietnam, despite infrastructure improvements, continues facing significant hurdles such as high logistics costs, which represent around 20% of their gross-domestic product compared to Malaysia's more manageable 13%. We must acknowledge internal obstacles openly—such as fragmented governance, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and regulatory complexity. These challenges require more than just new committees or masterplans; they demand practical, thoughtful reforms. The Pan-Asia railway network offers Malaysia significant regional opportunities. While the China–Laos railway has been operational since 2021, and Thailand steadily progresses towards completing its section by around 2030, Malaysia is nearing completion of the critical Gemas–Johor Bahru electrified double track project, set for completion in 2025. This project significantly improves domestic connectivity, laying a solid foundation for future cross-border integration. Regarding the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore High-Speed Rail, Malaysia's cautious approach is justified. The government remains clear: this project will proceed only if entirely privately financed. Despite evaluating several private-sector proposals, the HSR's future remains uncertain, and responsible governance means proceeding only with commercially viable projects. Here are five practical, immediate steps Malaysia can humbly and effectively take to strengthen our logistics position: Streamline logistics governance: Rationalising overlapping responsibilities into a streamlined and empowered National Logistics Task Force. Even better re-establish the single transport authority. Quick-win multimodal integration: Rapidly execute rail-linked inland ports, like those in Serendah and Nilai, to enhance connectivity visibly and quickly. Transparent project evaluations: Ensure rigorous, transparent cost-benefit analyses for new infrastructure, emphasising realistic demand and long-term sustainability. SME-focused logistics support: Boost SMEs through improved distribution hubs, cold-chain facilities, and efficient last-mile delivery systems. Practical digitisation: Fully implement the ASEAN Single Window and incremental digitisation of customs and logistics processes to streamline trade. President Xi Jinping's April 2025 visit reinforced collaboration potential through a rail-focused memorandum of understanding, emphasising technology transfer and feasibility studies, without immediate financial commitments. This partnership approach, focusing on knowledge-sharing and careful financing models, aligns with Malaysia's cautious and realistic infrastructure policy. As Malaysia leads Asean this year, we have a unique chance not just to showcase, but to quietly demonstrate genuine leadership through thoughtful, practical actions. Humility, honesty, and collaboration should guide our approach. I believe deeply in Malaysia's potential. I also recognise that achieving meaningful change requires more than good intentions; it calls for collective effort and practical reforms. Like many Malaysians who love our country, I believe many are ready to contribute to this journey of renewal. Our Asean moment is here. Let's approach it with humility, practicality, and a sincere desire to build something lasting; not just for ourselves, but for generations of Malaysians and Southeast Asians to come. Wan Agyl Wan Hassan has served in senior positions within Malaysia's transport and regulatory sectors. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
New Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Expert calls for govt intervention to complete MEX II without bailout
KUALA LUMPUR: The government should intervene in the delayed Maju Expressway Extension (MEX II) project to ensure its completion without a bailout, a transport expert said. Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said a sustainable solution would be to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with equity from government-linked companies (GLCs), partnered with private developers. This approach, he said, would allow for the raising of a new sukuk to finance the remainder of the highway's construction. "I'm not saying the government should bail it out, but it should consider forming a new SPV with equity from GLCs, then partnering with private developers and using a structured asset takeover from MEX Highway Sdn Bhd under the Insolvency Act. "This is because MEX Highway Sdn Bhd is insolvent and under the receivership of the insolvency department. So, we can proceed with a takeover under the Insolvency Act – or perhaps grant a new concession for future development. "This way, there's no direct government bailout, as we would be using GLC involvement and partnering with private developers," he said when contacted today. Earlier, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the government is actively engaging with stakeholders to resolve the prolonged delays in the MEX II project, which was originally scheduled for completion in December 2019. The highway, considered a vital link between Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), has been plagued by financial setbacks and is currently under scrutiny by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Nanta said the project had faced persistent cash flow issues that halted construction, but efforts are now being stepped up to revive the stalled works. The 18km extension to the MEX Expressway has come under renewed public attention following MACC investigations into alleged false claims involving RM360 million. Last week, four individuals, including a 'Datuk Seri', were remanded in connection with the alleged submission of false claims amounting to RM360 million, purportedly using sukuk funds for a Klang Valley highway project valued at RM1.3 billion. Earlier today, a former chief executive officer was also remanded for three days. Wan Agyl, who is also the founder and chief operating officer of MY Mobility Vision, suggested that any SPV formed should include an independent Project Management Office (PMO) and be monitored by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). He also proposed limited non-bailout support via partial credit guarantees to attract new institutional investors. "Everything needs to be repackaged with a very clear objective. The government must ensure the MEX II Highway is completed," he said. He said that the project's completion is crucial for enhancing logistics and supporting national growth. "The most important thing is to realise that the MEX II Highway must be completed, as it provides a shorter travel route to Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and KLIA. "Of course, the new highway will also improve logistics efficiency, especially since the KLIA corridor is currently very congested," he added. He said the expressway would also help ease congestion on existing highways and improve regional airport access. "When there is a state visit, like when Xi Jinping visited Malaysia, this highway would allow a direct link from KLIA to Putrajaya," he said. Wan Agyl added that prolonged delays have negatively affected surrounding property developments, leading to stagnating prices and declining investor confidence. He said the project's sukuk had been downgraded multiple times due to ongoing uncertainty.
