KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's transport infrastructure and logistics services will be further strengthened under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) with the government committing to an integrated, affordable, reliable, and seamless people mobility in the sector.
According to the 12MP report, the government plans to enhance the competitiveness of the transport and logistics sector as well as strengthening its institutional and regulatory framework.
In enhancing the efficiency of transport and logistics infrastructure, a platform to coordinate and optimise schedules would minimise the waiting time between different modes, the report said.
It adds that Putrajaya would integrate different modes of transportation so that travelling time, cost, comfort, and reliability of the services can be further improved.
To enhance first- and last-mile connectivity, the government plans to increase the frequency of feeder buses, realigning routes, and integrating e-hailing services with the MRT and other transport services.
The usage of micro-mobility vehicles would also be increased, while pedestrian lanes in urban areas will be enhanced to increase the safety and confidence of users as well as promote active mobility.
"Innovative and non-traditional public transport options will be considered in rural areas (where) an alternative community-based public transport system that offers affordable services will be introduced.
"One option that will be considered is a 'dial-a-ride system', a phone call-based facility providing door-to-door service for people who do not have access to conventional public transport amenities.
"This will improve connectivity and mobility as well as create job opportunities," the report read.
To ensure effective enforcement of private vehicles entering city centres, the government will collaborate with relevant authorities.
The 12MP report revealed that transportation fares would also be determined by market demand. In addition, unlimited passes for train and bus passengers would be extended, and parking charges at areas with good public transport connectivity would be increased.
For this initiative, the government is projecting a five per cent annual growth of public transport ridership in Klang Valley and the Greater Klang Valley between 2021 and 2025 as well as a 20 per cent increase in air transport passengers by 2025.
As part of efforts to drive the transport and logistics industry towards competitiveness, the government aims to be in the top 10 rankings of the World Container Port's Report and top 30 ranks in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, by 2025.
Putrajaya is also aiming for a 10 per cent increase in cargo volume via rail in the northern, central, and southern regions of the country.
To achieve these targets, the report said the government will enhance efficiency and leverage the digitalisation of the services.
"In the aviation sector, outdated systems and obsolete equipment will be replaced and infrastructure will be upgraded.
"A centralised database for the transport and logistics sectors will be established which comprises a comprehensive layered map and statistics related to roads, rail, aviation, and maritime services.
"The database wills serve as a single point of reference for comprehensive information of the transport and logistics sectors to improve business decision-making."
In strengthening institutional and regulatory framework, the 12MP said the government plans to improve governance and promote green initiatives. This includes standardising warehouse regulation under the National Warehouse Regulations as well as formulating Green Transport Index by 2025.
To ensure its success, the government would address challenges in policy planning, coordination, and implementation so that the role of various authorities can be clearly defined while enforcement is enhanced.