SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Public Transport Users Association (4PAM) has expressed both gratitude and concerns following the announcements in Malaysia's Budget 2025, presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
4PAM President Ajit Johl acknowledged the government's ongoing commitment to public transport and expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's support in this area.
However, he also expressed disappointment over the lack of focus on safeguarding users' rights and protection.
"Our request for the creation of the Public Transports Users Commission to address these pertinent issues to improve the users trust has been sidelined, especially with the abolishment of Land Public Transport Agency (SPAD) and merger between Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) and Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM),” he said in a statement on Friday.
Ajit urged the Prime Minister to use savings from reduced RON95 fuel subsidies to establish the proposed commission, emphasising that this was a missing component in the budget.
"This is the missing component in the budget and we appeal to the Prime Minister to set aside savings from the reduction in fuel subsidy towards the creation of this Commission,” he said.
Ajit was responding to Anwar’s announcements during the Budget 2025 presentation, where he outlined measures to improve Malaysia's public transportation system.
Anwar emphasised the government's commitment to creating an efficient, affordable, and comfortable transport network for all Malaysians.
He announced over RM200 million for rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak, along with new routes from Kota Kinabalu to Layang-Layang and Miri to Long Banga.
This year, Prasarana has acquired 250 electric buses and the Transport Ministry is procuring 12 KTM Berhad (KTMB) passenger train carriages, with an additional 50 carriages to be leased from China.
Additionally, the My50 Monthly Pass would continue to benefit 180,000 users in the Klang Valley, while over RM270 million will support stage bus services in major cities across all states.
"Bus connectivity in the Klang Valley will be enhanced with a 10 million ringgit investment to develop dedicated bus lanes covering a 47-kilometre stretch, including Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Cheras, and Jalan Gombak.
"Additionally, the government will collaborate with government-linked companies (GLCs) and private entities to improve 100 bus stops in the Klang Valley, enhancing the safety and comfort of public bus users,” Anwar said during the tabling of Budget 2025 at Dewan Rakyat today.
He also announced Prasarana will provide van services for schoolchildren from selected train stations for a fare of 50 sen one way and will offer free fares to all university, polytechnic, community college, and matriculation students using the BAS.MY service.