Anthony Loke’s transport push: LRT3 opens, ridership surges past one million, but congestion fight unfinished

**Transforming Transport: Malaysia's Rail Rebound and Ongoing Congestion Challenge**

Malaysia's transport landscape has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with the opening of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line and a surge in daily rail ridership surpassing one million passengers. However, despite these gains, Transport Minister Anthony Loke acknowledges that the country's transport system still grapples with a multitude of challenges, including a growing vehicle population, aging infrastructure, and connectivity gaps. In an effort to address these issues, Loke has prioritized Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, the state-owned company responsible for operating the Klang Valley's Light Rail Transit (LRT), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), and monorail services.

Background & Context

When Anthony Loke returned to the Transport Ministry in late 2022, he was met with a daunting task: revitalizing Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, which had suffered from frequent disruptions and maintenance problems. The company's poor performance had eroded public confidence, with even basic services like functioning escalators and clean toilets being taken for granted. Loke's first act as minister was to conduct a spot check at an MRT station, signaling his focus on Prasarana and setting a tone for his tenure.

Loke's efforts to revamp Prasarana involved making the company a permanent feature of post-Cabinet meetings, where it was required to report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as maintenance and service disruptions. By driving home the importance of maintenance, Loke aimed to improve the overall operations and planning of Prasarana's services. While the number of disruptions did fall in 2024 and 2025, the situation deteriorated again in early 2026, particularly on the ageing Kelana Jaya Line, which still awaits additional trains planned for the line.

Key Details

The recovery in urban rail use to pre-Covid levels is a notable achievement, with certain lines facing overcrowding and ridership continuing to rise following the opening of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line. According to Loke, Prasarana has consistently surpassed one million in daily ridership, a testament to the enduring demand for public transport. However, this growth is happening alongside a continuing increase in vehicles on Malaysian roads, with over 700,000 vehicles sold last year.

Loke acknowledges that this is a structural issue that has made it difficult to reduce congestion despite continued investment in public transport. "But can you imagine without that the rail system, the traffic will be even worse off, right?" he said, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach to address Malaysia's transport woes.

What Experts Say

Experts say that while the growth in rail use is a positive trend, it is essential to address the underlying issues driving congestion. "The key is to strike a balance between public and private transport, investing in both to create a seamless and efficient transport system," said Dr. Norani Othman, a transport expert. "Malaysia needs to prioritize investing in its infrastructure, including public transport, to support its growing population and economy."

Key Takeaways

• Malaysia's rail ridership has surpassed one million daily passengers, with the LRT3 Shah Alam Line contributing to this growth.
• The Transport Ministry's efforts to revamp Prasarana Malaysia Berhad have improved the company's performance, but challenges persist.
• The growing vehicle population and aging infrastructure continue to complicate efforts to reduce congestion.
• Investing in both public and private transport is crucial to creating a seamless and efficient transport system in Malaysia.

What This Means For You

As Malaysia's transport landscape continues to evolve, commuters can expect to see improved services and infrastructure in the coming years. However, it is essential for the government and private sector to work together to address the underlying issues driving congestion. By investing in public transport and prioritizing infrastructure development, Malaysia can create a more efficient and sustainable transport system that supports its growing population and economy.

As you navigate Malaysia's roads and public transport systems, remember that every journey contributes to the country's transport landscape. By being mindful of your travel choices and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable transport, you can play a part in shaping Malaysia's transport future.