Anthony Loke’s transport push: LRT3 opens, ridership surges past one million, but congestion fight unfinished

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 — In his second tenure as transport minister, Anthony Loke has seen improvements in public transport and rail usage, but acknowledges Malaysia's expanding vehicle fleet, aging infrastructure, and connectivity gaps present ongoing challenges. As the head of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, responsible for Klang Valley's LRT, MRT, and monorail services, Loke reported that the company was in a poor state when he rejoined the ministry in late 2022, characterized by frequent disruptions, maintenance issues, and low public confidence.

To signal his commitment, Loke conducted a spot check at an MRT station, emphasized Prasarana's importance in post-Cabinet meetings, and compelled the company to report on key performance indicators, particularly maintenance and service disruptions. While disruptions decreased in 2024 and 2025, they resurfaced in early 2026, particularly on the aging Kelana Jaya Line, despite the introduction of additional trains.

Despite a surge in rail usage nearing pre-Covid levels, vehicle numbers are increasing, leading to overcrowded lines and traffic congestion. Malaysia sold over 700,000 vehicles last year, revealing a structural problem that hinders congestion reduction efforts. Loke highlighted that Malaysia's automotive policy encourages ownership without corresponding measures to retire older cars, which will continue to multiply.

However, introducing an end-of-life vehicle policy proves challenging due to the prevalence of older cars, especially in semi-urban areas where alternatives are scarce and public transport is limited. To address the "first and last mile" issue, the ministry has implemented Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) services and feeder buses but acknowledges that reaching every corner of the country remains difficult.

The ministry also promotes carpooling and ride-sharing but recognizes that tailored solutions are necessary due to diverse commuter needs. Furthermore, Loke advocates for increased cargo transportation via rail, seeking to expand Malaysia's railway network, acquire more locomotives, and lease additional rolling stock from China to bolster passenger services.