KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has urged Asean countries to formulate policy frameworks to keep up with global transport megatrends.
He said these frameworks should address issues related to sustainability, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and environmental issues.
"Transportation developments often lead to increased job creation, higher productivity, and the expansion of local businesses," he said in a speech at the 30th Asean Transport Ministers' Meeting.
"From this perspective, the next phase of strategies for the transportation sector is therefore vital.
"Megatrends cannot be ignored, and we must start to design future transport policy frameworks and infrastructure that are able to handle the complexity of these revolutionary changes."
Fadillah said future transport policy frameworks, infrastructure, and facilities must also accommodate vulnerable communities.
He added that efficient transport systems were vital in developing the region's economy, citing the example of the ongoing Johor Baru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) project.
He said the RTS would not only benefit the transport sector but also boost economic integration, regional cooperation, and sustainability.
"The broader impact of this project goes beyond simply connecting the two cities; it also has significant potential for reshaping the way people and goods move within the wider Asean region."
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, in his speech, highlighted the importance of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) in building a more efficient transportation system and improving road safety in the region.
"The road ahead is not without obstacles, but I believe that by working together, we can overcome any challenges.
"We can build a future where Asean is not just a region of economic opportunity but a beacon of sustainability and innovation," Loke said.
The Asean Transport Ministers' Meeting is being held in conjunction with the 58th Senior Transport Officials' Meeting.