National transport policy to strengthen growth

The national transportation policy is one of the main thrust to strengthen infrastructure and provide a sustainable transport system in the next two years as the government strives to drive growth until year 2020, maximising the existing infrastructure and building only new ones after careful analysis.

PETALING JAYA: A national transport policy that involves roads, rail, air and sea transportation systems will be launched to facilitate the growth of businesses.

The policy is one of the main thrust to strengthen infrastructure and provide a sustainable transport system in the next two years as the government strives to drive growth until year 2020, maximising the existing infrastructure and building only new ones after careful analysis.

According to the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP), only infrastructure projects with strong economic and social benefits will be executed.

“Prior to the implementation of new infrastructure projects, a comprehensive analysis and feasibility study will be carried out to establish the need and viability of these projects.

“The analysis aims to ensure that only projects with strong economic and social benefits are executed,” it said.

The report said greater emphasis would be given to transport integration in enabling seamless movement of people and goods.

“Logistics and trade facilitation initiatives will focus on improving efficiency and effectiveness of services along the value chain to enhance competitiveness.

“Digital infrastructure will also be improved to increase broadband coverage and capacity to cater for the demand of the digital economy.

“In addition, efforts to enhance the efficiency and reliability of water services and energy supply will be undertaken,” the report stated.

With two more years to go before the 11MP ends in 2020, the government will focus on streamlining initiatives through national transport policy, enhancing connectivity across regions, integrating different modes of transport, upgrading airport infrastructure, improving ports accessibility and capacity as well as optimising transport infrastructure.

Towards this end, efforts will be undertaken to facilitate modal shift for transportation of cargo, especially hazardous and dangerous goods, from road to rail.

In this regard, tighter regulations will be imposed while greater connectivity between these two modes will be improved.

These measures aim to mitigate the high usage of roads at 98.4%, to transport goods, which has led to traffic congestion and high number of accidents.

According to the report, an upgrading of double tracking in Klang Valley will facilitate faster movement of intercity passenger train Komuter and cargo train.