KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 17): Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has suggested that the private sector come up with railway proposals, as well as to invest in or rent existing railway infrastructure given the low usage of railways in the country.
“This policy will ensure that Malaysia remains business-friendly, fulfilling country industry needs, and able to compete internationally in transportation,” the prime minister said in a keynote address during the launch of the National Transport Plan 2019-2030 today.
To reduce the congestion caused by the increase in private vehicles, Dr Mahathir said the government will encourage the use of public transport and this includes supplying twin electric rails.
In addition, he proposed research into how to ensure the rail system is fully-utilised.
“The use of rails is still low. There are a lot of heavy vehicles still using the road, which causes road accidents. It is best if large and heavy freight use the existing rail system.”
Should the current system be inadequate, he said the government will work to increase facilities, especially if there is increased use by freight users.
However, Malaysia prefers not to limit the number of private vehicles and because of that, city and country roads need to be constantly built, he said.