Inject funds to boost public mobility, say transport experts

 Wan Agyl Wan Hassan says long-term commitment and political will are needed to reprioritise fiscal spending.

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. - FMT