Malaysia’s 13th Plan to boost transport with 1,200 buses, DRT vans, major highway projects, and 2,800 km of rural road upgrades.
Transport Upgrade under 13MP to Drive Economic Growth – PM Anwar
Malaysia’s public transport system and road network are set for a significant upgrade under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), unveiled on July 31, 2025, by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat.
From 2026 to 2030, the Malaysian government will allocate part of the RM611 billion (approximately £107.4 billion) national development plan towards enhancing connectivity, with a strong emphasis on public transportation and road infrastructure.
To enhance first- and last-mile connectivity, particularly in dense urban areas, the government will introduce 1,200 new buses and 300 demand-responsive transit (DRT) vans. “The government will also continue efforts to make public transport more affordable. This includes maintaining monthly travel passes and special concessions for students, senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), as well as continuing the student air ticket subsidy programme,” Anwar said, as quoted by Bernama news agency.
Anwar added that road infrastructure will also remain a key priority under the new development program. “Upgrading of existing routes and building new roads will continue. Among the key projects are the Pahang–Kelantan Central Spine Road; the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah; the Trans Borneo Highway in Sarawak; as well as the construction and upgrading of 2,800 km of rural roads,” he explained.
Major highway projects under the plan include the Lingkaran Tengah Utama (LTU) highway in Pahang and Kelantan, and critical upgrades to the PLUS Expressway, specifically the Senai Utara-Machap stretch in Johor and Juru-Sungai Dua stretch in Penang.
Rural areas will also benefit from large-scale connectivity projects such as Jalan Nanga Serau-Nanga Seranau in Kapit, Sarawak; the road linking the Sungai Air Tawar bridge to Hutan Melintang in Bagan Datuk, Perak; and Jalan Pos Sinderut in Lipis, Pahang.
According to Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, the transport-related investments under the 13MP aim to improve accessibility, reduce travel times, and drive economic growth in both urban and rural Malaysia.
