KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has proposed that new housing developments be built on or near public transport stations to promote its usage, which would lead to a more sustainable urban living.
Anwar said the government is considering developments integrated with public transport infrastructure – including the possibility of building housing directly above stations — to improve accessibility and encourage greater public transport use.
“There are proposals to develop housing directly on top of public transport stations, but this requires certain amendments and is currently being worked on,” he said at the Malaysia Madani Scholars’ Forum last night, citing the Kota Madani project as an example of a centralised, amenity-rich development model.
Anwar said the approach would benefit low-income groups with strategic housing options while supporting a more organised city lifestyle.
The initiative comes amid concern over Malaysia’s low public transport usage, which stands at just 20%, far short of the 40% target set under the National Transport Policy 2019-2030, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke, who also spoke at the forum, said integrating housing with transit access would require major policy and planning shifts, including new guidelines under discussion with the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
“One proposal is to reduce parking requirements for housing near public transport. This could help reduce car usage while promoting strategic home ownership,” he said.
Loke added that the government’s ongoing “Road to Rail” initiative – aimed at shifting freight movement from road to rail – is also part of a broader push to enhance rail usage and sustainability. – June 5, 2025