KUALA LUMPUR: To ensure the billions of ringgit spent on public transport are used effectively, it is vital to change public perception from being the 'last option' to a 'preferred mode of transportation', said Malaysian Public Transport Users Association (4PAM) President Ajit Johl.
He urged the government to establish a commission for public transport users as the country is preparing to capitalise on Artificial Intelligence's (AI) immense impact on seamless public transport.
"With the closure of SPAD (Public Transport Commission) and merger of MAVCOM (Malaysian Aviation Commission) and CAAM (Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia), there is no single independent agency to provide the needed protection and rights of the land, sea and air public transport users.
"We urge the government to take the lead forward and create a new single commission focusing on public transport users' safety, protection, awareness and rights," he said in a statement.
In addition, the new commission can be the single entity that provides a comprehensive master plan to ensure a seamless public transport system, which is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Framework, he said.
In his 2025 Budget wishlist, he said the gradual removal of fuel subsidies and savings could be channelled to public transport facilities.
"We strongly urge the government to continue with the removal of fuel subsidies on a gradual basis by (25 per cent per annum) and use the funds to improve public transport facilities."
They include walkways, paths leading to public transport stations, streetlights, round-the-clock surveillance and facilities for disabled people.
Meanwhile, he hoped the government would work towards subsidising the fuel for e-hailing industry.
He said ride-sharing industry serves as a critical link in addressing the 'last mile challenge' and plays a vital role in the multi-modal public transport value chain.
"However, the ride-sharing industry must ensure a transparent pricing mechanism based on distance and time."
He said the government's move to encourage the use of electric vehicles (EV) to reduce fuel, noise, and air pollution must also be balanced with the incentives for public transport.
He said the recent trial by the Sarawak government to use hydrogen fuel for public transport required more support and funding.
"Both Sarawak and Johor are starting the ART (autonomous rapid transit) services and we believe this is the fuel of the future and will soon become a viable option for the masses.
"We urge the government to introduce a 'zero import' tax policy for EV cars that are imported exclusively for the taxi or ride-sharing industry and encourage the use of cars that offer higher safety and protection for users."