MOT Eyes Rail Expansion, Road Safety and Airport Improvements

Transport Minister YB Loke Siew Fook has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s transport infrastructure and safety framework during his 2026 Budget winding-up speech in the Dewan Rakyat.

He addressed key concerns raised by Members of Parliament, particularly on ongoing rail projects, public transport upgrades and enforcement issues.

Loke defended the Penang LRT project, also known as the LRT Laluan Mutiara, describing it as vital to easing congestion and sustaining economic growth in the northern region.

The approved line stretches from Pulau Silikon to Komtar and continues from Macallum to Penang Sentral via a new rail bridge across the channel. He said the expanded route will serve a population of about 1.8 million across the island and Seberang Perai, along with some eight million annual visitors.

According to Loke, the project went through thorough value management studies to ensure every ringgit spent delivers maximum public benefit. When completed, the LRT will not only improve connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland but also benefit commuters from Kedah and Perak who travel daily to the state for work.

On the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Loke said construction across the 665 km alignment linking Kota Bharu to Port Klang is progressing towards completion in 2027. The project will feature 20 stations across four states and accelerate road-to-rail transition which is expected to move up to 24.6 million tonnes of cargo annually, equivalent to one million heavy truck trips.

He said the ECRL is central to achieving balanced regional development and boosting economic growth in the East Coast states.

Loke also confirmed that the long-awaited Pasir Mas–Rantau Panjang rail line upgrade has been approved under Rolling Plan 1 of the 13th Malaysia Plan with an allocation of RM264 million.

Work is expected to begin in 2026 and take three years to complete. Once operational, the route will strengthen cross-border rail connectivity with Thailand through Sungai Golok and support trade and tourism along the border areas.

On enforcement, Loke said the ministry is tightening controls on overloaded commercial vehicles and mandating the use of speed limiters for all buses and lorries.

The government also plans to amend existing laws to hold both consignors and consignees responsible for overloading. He added that penalties for driving under the influence have been toughened, with offenders facing up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to RM150,000 if the offence results in death.

He also noted the success of the Child Restraint Seat subsidy initiative, which benefited over 120,000 families between 2022 and 2023. The government is studying ways to continue the programme in a more targeted and sustainable manner.

Turning to the aviation sector, Loke said Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad is fully funding the KLIA Aerotrain replacement project, with the government monitoring performance through the Land Public Transport Agency.

He warned that MAHB could face fines of up to RM250,000 for each service failure under its operating licence.

Loke concluded that all these measures and projects are part of the government’s broader Malaysia Madani vision to enhance connectivity, safety and economic opportunity for all Malaysians.