Public-Private Tie-Up Key To Strengthening Public Transport - Loke

Transport Minister Anthony Loke says the government is working to strengthen Malaysia’s public transport network despite limited funds.

Speaking in Parliament, Loke said the ministry is collaborating with local councils and private firms to improve connectivity and facilities like bus stops and pedestrian walkways.

“The public transport ecosystem must be holistic, not only focusing on buses but also on supporting infrastructure

However, this requires cooperation from all parties. The ministry will help where possible, but we face funding and resource constraints,” he said.

To ease the burden, Loke announced a public-private partnership where companies can adopt bus stops in exchange for advertising rights, 

"This is a win-win move to improve infrastructure without relying solely on government spending," Loke added.

The minister said nearly 50,000 people, mostly senior citizens, have benefited from the BAS.MY free bus service under the Stage Bus Service Transformation Programme, which runs in major cities such as Johor Bahru, Kuching, Ipoh, and Melaka.

On the recent backlash from the construction sector over the crackdown on overloaded lorries, Loke was unapologetic.

“I am quite disappointed with the actions of some industry players. They know they're in the wrong all this while, yet they expect the government to negotiate with them. 

I told them, forget about it. Enforcement will continue, and they should comply rather than continue risking public safety,” he stressed.