GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia is well-positioned to become a leading rail nation in Asean through strong collaboration, strategic investments, technological advancement and continuous talent development.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the country's rail agenda, guided by the National Transport Policy 2019-2030 and aligned with the aspirations of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), remains focused on building an efficient, integrated, sustainable and resilient transport ecosystem.
"Rail plays a critical role in supporting economic growth, facilitating trade and logistics, improving urban mobility and connecting communities across the country," he said when opening the International Rail Transit Forum (IRTF) 2026 here on Monday (June 8).
He said the government's Road to Rail agenda aims to increase the share of rail in both passenger and freight transportation, creating a more balanced and sustainable transport system, while the shift would help reduce road congestion, improve logistics efficiency and strengthen the country's long-term economic competitiveness.
Hasbi noted that the government's commitment to rail development is reflected in several major projects currently underway, including the Penang LRT Mutiara Line, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.
"The Penang LRT Mutiara Line will transform urban mobility in this state and support future economic growth, while the ECRL will strengthen connectivity between the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia, unlocking new opportunities for trade, logistics and investment.
"The RTS Link will significantly enhance cross-border mobility and improve connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore," he said.
Hasbi said the projects demonstrate how rail infrastructure serves not only as a transportation solution but also as a catalyst for economic transformation and regional development.
He said the ministry remains committed to strengthening Malaysia's rail industry through localisation initiatives, technology transfer, research collaboration and human capital development.
In this regard, he said the establishment of the National Rail Centre of Excellence, to be led by the Malaysia Rail Development Corporation (MRDC), would serve as a platform for industry development, talent nurturing, research, innovation and capability enhancement across the rail value chain.
On the IRTF 2026, he said it provides an important platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices and explore new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
With the theme of 'The Great Shift: Paving the Road to Rail Excellence', the forum brought together industry players, policymakers, academics and experts to discuss the future of rail transportation and industry development. - Bernama
