A transport consultant, Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, has raised concerns about the government’s focus on road infrastructure in Budget 2025, arguing that it provides only short-term relief to traffic congestion. He pointed out projects like expanding the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and constructing the Cameron Highlands bypass as examples of limited long-term planning. Wan Agyl stated that road expansions typically lead to “induced demand,” where more lanes result in more cars and eventually bring back congestion and pollution, as seen in cities like Los Angeles.
According to FMT, he suggested that funds would be better spent on enhancing Malaysia’s public transport system, including expanding the rail network and improving bus services. Wan Agyl highlighted Copenhagen as an example of a city where convenient and accessible public transit successfully reduced car dependence, and he urged Malaysia to follow suit for a lasting solution.
While acknowledging some public transport improvements in the budget, such as the procurement of new train coaches and electric buses, Wan Agyl expressed concern about Malaysia’s heavy reliance on China for train supplies. He proposed diversifying suppliers in the short term and developing local train-building capabilities in the long term to create jobs and strengthen Malaysia’s transport independence, citing India’s progress in this area.
Wan Agyl also called for Malaysia to adopt a more holistic public transport strategy similar to Singapore’s, with integrated bus routes, cycling paths, and rail networks to reduce car ownership. Another transport consultant, Rosli Khan, praised the budget’s shift toward more people-centric public transport initiatives and the move away from mega projects. He also urged for more clarity on how the government plans to utilise savings from targeted RON95 petrol subsidies to further improve public transportation.
Additionally, Rosli criticised the current separation between asset management by the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and operations by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), suggesting a merger for better rail management and future investments.
