Malaysia’s public transport usage stands at just 20%, well below the 40% target set under the National Transport Policy 2019–2030, according to Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke.

“This remains a key challenge for us. We must work diligently to ensure the goals of the policy are fully realized,” Loke stated during a media session following the sixth edition of the Malaysia Madani Scholars Forum, held at Prasarana Tower.

The forum, themed “Transport for the People: Balancing Affordability, Quality, and Sustainability of Public Transport,” was chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing Malaysia’s public transport system.

Joining Loke on the panel were Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, President and Group CEO of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, and Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Loke highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to shift freight logistics from road to rail through the phased implementation of the “Road to Rail” initiative.

“We are actively promoting rail transport, particularly for cargo and containers. The Road to Rail initiative is central to this effort,” he explained.

He added that the completion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) will significantly enhance rail freight capacity, especially for routes connecting the East Coast, thereby reducing reliance on road-based transport such as lorries.