SHAH ALAM - As Malaysia heads toward Budget 2026, transport experts are urging the government to place greater emphasis on public transport infrastructure and targeted subsidies, ensuring the system is both practical and equitable for everyday users.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) automotive expert Associate Professor Dr Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor said infrastructure should be the central focus rather than subsidies alone.
“When it comes to public transport, I believe the government should focus more on infrastructure that makes the system efficient and accessible rather than just subsidies.
“This means improving first-mile and last-mile connections and expanding demand-responsive services like Rapid On-Demand with wider routes and better frequency.
“A bigger allocation for public transport should go toward complete facilities and infrastructure so that public transport becomes genuinely attractive and practical for everyday travel,” she told Sinar Daily.
Sabahiah added that while expansions of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) were necessary, they would not achieve their full potential without integration.
She expects further allocations for MRT and LRT expansions, but emphasised that these projects will only succeed if supported by complementary infrastructure.
“That means proper feeder buses, safe pedestrian walkways, bicycle lanes and active mobility routes that make the system seamless.
“Budget 2026 should not just fund rail lines, but also ensure integration with these supporting facilities, otherwise the full potential of the expansion will not be realised,” she said.
Supporting the push for more inclusive measures, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Engineering Faculty Road Safety Research Centre head Law Teik Hua stressed the importance of targeted subsidies to help narrow inequality.
He added that prioritising subsidies for public transport should also be seen as a key strategy to improve equal access to mobility.
“Targeted measures such as means-tested monthly passes for low-income households, subsidised or free annual student passes and capped daily fares would lower living costs while making public transport the most affordable option.
“These targeted subsidies are not only more equitable than broad fuel subsidies but also more effective in encouraging sustainable transport use,” he said when contacted.
Law emphasised the need for steady investment in MRT and LRT networks, describing them as the backbone of easing congestion and strengthening urban connectivity.
He explained that although expanding new lines demands substantial capital and time, maintaining consistent funding sends a clear signal of genuine commitment to transforming urban mobility.
“Budget 2026 must ensure continued support for extensions in key urban centres such as Penang, Johor Bahru and Kuching.
“This national strategy will help build a balanced transport system that offers viable alternatives to private car use while driving economic growth through Transit-Oriented Development (TOD),” he added.
The Finance Ministry (MOF) announced that Budget 2026 would be tabled in Parliament on Oct 10. It will be the fourth in a series of Madani budgets and the first under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030).
According to MOF, Budget 2026 aims to balance short-term challenges with long-term reforms while reaffirming the three pillars of the Madani Economy: raising the ceiling of national growth, raising the floor of living standards and driving reform with a focus on good governance.
The ministry also emphasised a bottom-up, people-centred approach, incorporating community and stakeholder input to ensure policies reflected real conditions on the ground.