During the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) tabling today in Dewan Rakyat, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the public transport system and road network across the nation will be further enhanced under the plan. The improvements will be implemented through a range of initiatives, including new infrastructure projects, the upgrading of existing routes, and the provision of travel subsidies for the public.
Firstly, 1,200 buses and 300 Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) vans would be introduced to enhance connectivity in major urban areas from the first to the last mile. He also added that more efforts will be made under the 13MP to ensure the public transport system remains affordable for Malaysians. “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,” Anwar said.
Furthermore, several key infrastructure projects are currently underway to promote transit-oriented development (TOD), which integrates transportation with housing, commercial hubs, and public services. These projects include 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.
The Prime Minister also added that the government will focus on upgrading existing routes and constructing new roads to ensure smoother and more efficient access. The upgrades will include the PLUS Expressway along the Senai Utara–Machap stretch in Johor and the Juru–Sungai Dua stretch in Penang. Additionally, there will be the 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.
Improving rural connectivity is also a key focus under the 13th Malaysia Plan, with plans to build and upgrade 2,800 kilometres of roads nationwide. Notable projects include Jalan Nanga Serau–Nanga Seranau in Kapit, Sarawak; the road connecting the Sungai Air Tawar bridge to Hutan Melintang in Bagan Datuk, Perak; and Jalan Pos Sinderut in Lipis, Pahang.
Finally, he also noted the road-to-rail initiative. This initiative is aimed at shifting cargo transportation from road to rail. He added that the initiative is expected to increase the use of rail from six percent to 13 percent, indirectly reducing the risk of road accidents.
