Latest news with #NationalTransportPolicy2019-2030
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
How ride-hailing is keeping pace with Malaysia's city boom
As Malaysia rapidly urbanises, the way people move through cities is being tested. New housing projects are rising along city fringes, commercial hubs are densifying and daily commute demands are increasing. Yet transport infrastructure, especially in newly developed or lower-density areas, often lags behind. In the Klang Valley and other high-growth corridors, commuters are frequently stuck between traffic congestion and limited public transport options. The result is a widening mobility gap that affects access to work, education and essential services. Projections show the Klang Valley's population nearing 10 million by 2030, raising concerns over mounting pressure on infrastructure and public services. As one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing metro regions, the Klang Valley exemplifies how rapid development often in areas that barely existed a decade ago has outpaced transport infrastructure. While public transport remains a core focus of the 12th Malaysia Plan and the National Transport Policy 2019-2030, such projects take time to plan and implement. In the interim, many residents in outlying areas rely on private vehicles, contributing to congestion and rising transport costs. As urban sprawl continues, daily commute patterns are becoming longer and more complex. Many rely on multiple modes to reach schools, jobs or health services — a strain for both individuals and families. Public transport remains vital, but it cannot cover everything. Infrastructure-heavy systems work best in dense urban corridors, not in growing townships or transitional zones. This is where ride-hailing becomes essential. Unlike fixed routes, ride-hailing can scale flexibly, meeting demand without needing stations or terminals. Across suburban and peri-urban areas in Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Johor, ride-hailing already fills crucial first- and last-mile gaps, especially where buses or trains have yet to reach. This agility aligns with Malaysia's Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) aspirations, which call for more integrated, tech-enabled transport ecosystems. For many urban Malaysians, ride-hailing is no longer just a convenience, it is a daily necessity. Whether it's the morning school run, late-shift work travel or a link to the nearest MRT, the service fills real mobility gaps. What makes it work isn't just the app. It's the experience: clear pricing (including tolls), real-time support, safety features like driver verification, and the ability to book on demand or in advance. These are not bonuses, they are requirements for people navigating dense, time-pressed urban lives. Ride-hailing also supports transport equity. It serves those without cars, in remote locations, or with flexible schedules, people who often fall through the cracks of traditional planning. Malaysia's smart city agenda from Cyberjaya to Johor's Iskandar region recognises the need for data-driven, people-focused transport systems. With the right frameworks, ride-hailing platforms can contribute anonymised mobility data to improve planning, optimise road usage and identify service gaps. As the National Transport Policy outlines, the goal is seamless, inclusive, multimodal transport. Ride-hailing helps make this real, not just by moving people, but by working alongside public transport to extend its reach and reduce reliance on private cars. Urban growth will continue. The question is whether our transport systems can keep up. Ride-hailing isn't a silver bullet, but it's a proven, scalable solution that complements broader mobility goals. With supportive policies and continued public-private collaboration, it can help bridge real-world gaps, connecting communities, relieving pressure on roads and making cities more liveable. If we want smart, resilient urban transport, we need solutions that are as flexible as the cities they serve. Ride-hailing is one of them and its role is only growing.
Daily Express
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Express
Grab's EV initiative to improve quality of transportation system
Published on: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 Text Size: Loke looking at an electric vehicle during the Grab EV launching ceremony at the KLIA in Sepang. SEPANG: The introduction of electric vehicle (EV) services specifically for e-hailing by Grab Malaysia is expected to improve the quality of the transportation system at the country's main entry points, thus supporting the sustainable mobility agenda in line with national aspirations. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry (MOT) fully supports Grab Malaysia's initiative and is committed to expediting the country's transition to a cleaner, more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system. Grab Malaysia today also launched its 'EV-only ride' services as a booking option in the Grab application, and also set up an EV Lounge at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as an added convenience for users of its premium EV services. 'The selection of KLIA as the launch location is very strategic, not only because of the high passenger traffic but also because it provides maximum exposure to domestic and international users regarding Malaysia's efforts to enhance green mobility,' he said. Speaking at the Grab EV launch here today, Loke said that public-private collaboration is the key to successfully accelerating the use of EVs nationwide. According to him, the launch of Grab Malaysia's new initiative is a catalyst to expanding EVs nationwide, not just in the Klang Valley, but also in other major cities such as Johor Bahru, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Advertisement 'The latest MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between Grab and several strategic partners, including EV providers and charging companies recently, reflects the conformity of the industry with the country's aspirations. 'The MOT will continue to support such efforts and we urge more industry players to step forward and play their part in the country's decarbonisation agenda,' he said. Through the National Transport Policy 2019-2030 and the Ministry of Transport Strategic Plan 2021-2025, Loke said electric vehicles have been identified as one of the main pillars to reducing carbon emissions and encouraging the use of green technology. Efforts being taken or will be implemented by the government include tax exemptions an incentives for EV purchases, installation of EV chargers and the use of renewable energy in the transport sector. Other efforts include the implementation of low carbon zones in urban areas and the provision of more widespread EV charging infrastructure, including on highways, shopping malls and airports. Meanwhile, Grab Malaysia director of country operations and mobility Rashid Shukor said the new initiative supports Malaysia's green mobility push with the introduction of an EV-only ride option for airport tourists. 'By prioritising routes with high visibility and demand like KLIA, we intend to demonstrate the practicality and comfort of EVs, while increasing awareness among users. 'This launch marks an important achievement is transforming the foundation of on-demand public transport towards low- or zero-emission modes, making sustainable mobility more accessible to both our driver-partners and passengers,' he said. Grab EV will use BYD M6 electric vehicles, a seven-seater electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that offers passengers a quieter and smoother travel experience.
New Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Grab Malaysia unveils EV ride to KLIA
GRAB Malaysia on Tuesday launched its first fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) dedicated to airport transportation. This marks a significant step forward in the company's efforts to reduce carbon emissions, promote EV adoption, and contribute to Malaysia's Green Economy. The launch took place at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and was officiated by Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Available for passengers travelling from KLIA, the new EV ride option can be booked through the Grab app. The service features the BYD M6, a seven-seater electric MPV offering passengers a quieter, smoother ride experience. The third row seats can be easily folded down to create a larger, flat cargo area for more luggage. Grab is collaborating with ecosystem partners, BYD Sime Motors, Yinson GreenTech and Power-Up Tech to accelerate EV adoption in Malaysia as part of its commitment to supporting national sustainability goals and contribute to building a cleaner, greener future for the country. "By prioritising routes with high visibility and demand such as KLIA, we aim to demonstrate the practicality and comfort of EVs while driving greater awareness among consumers," said Grab Malaysia director of country operations and mobility Rashid Shukor. "This launch marks an important milestone in reshaping the DNA of on-demand public transport toward low or zero emission modes, making sustainable mobility more accessible for both our driver-partners and passengers. This supports our broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040," he added. Meanwhile, Loke said the ministry continued to champion sustainable transport solutions across all sectors. This is in line with the government's commitment to advancing low-carbon mobility through frameworks such as the National Transport Policy 2019-2030 and the ministry's Strategic Plan 2021-2025. "The launch of this EV fleet, ride option, and airport lounge at KLIA is a timely initiative that supports our national sustainability goals while enhancing the travel experience at one of Malaysia's key transport hub," he added.
