Political motives drive infrastructure projects - Transport expert

SHAH ALAM - Malaysia urgently needs comprehensive transportation reform to combat urban decay and a car-centric culture, warned transport expert Dr Rosli Khan.

He condemned the nation's focus on roads and private vehicles, highlighting that such an approach escalates the environmental impact and threatens property values.

"Simple infrastructural additions, similar to what Kuala Lumpur has pursued, aren't the solution.

"Effective change requires a holistic strategy involving car usage restrictions, fewer highways, reduced parking, and the introduction of congestion charges,” he told Sinar Daily.

Rosli, who is also the MDS Traffic Planners and Consultants Managing Director, pointed out that political motives skew current urban planning.

"Financial benefits, rather than genuine transport needs, often drive infrastructure projects.

“What's happening is that politicians decided what we should have based on what project they could come up with, in which they could make some income in the process of its implementation.

“The primary goal seems to be the income generated from contracts and tolls. That's not transport planning,” he claimed.

Rosli stressed that present urban settings cater mainly to younger individuals with private vehicles, sidelining family needs and making life challenging for seniors.

He lamented the lack of arts, culture, and quality of life in urban areas, observing that many residents are trapped in a demanding urban cycle marked by high living costs.

“The current urban lifestyle is unsustainable, and unfortunately, it seems the government is out of touch with this reality,” he added.