Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) Farhan Sadullah said tranferring control on some public transport issues from the federal authority to local governments would enable better planning for transport needs at the local level.

Another academic from USM, Hilmy Hamid, agreed, saying the government should also do its best towards ensuring that the use of public transport increases to 40% by 2030.

He said one way to improve public transport share was the reintroduction of city council-run buses, which could also serve as last-mile connectors.

“Rail services should be vastly improved, especially in east Malaysia where it is sorely needed.

“The Kulim airport project should also be allowed to materialise, given the spillover effect it would have on the northern region,” Hilmy said.

On another matter, Farhan called for the minister to get the government to commit to a lower carbon mobility blueprint.

“The minister should address all gaps in the current national transport policy so as to gear up towards a sustainable transport agenda.

“Take stock of matters based on evidence, facts and figures, perception, and set a good baseline, before implementing any policy,” he told FMT.