SHAH ALAM, April 9 — Selangor is considering subsidies for Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) users to ease their burdens amid fuel price hikes, said state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han.
He described the cost-saving aid as an effort to turn the ongoing West Asia crisis into an opportunity, adding that the subsidy wouldn’t just lower public expenditure, but could encourage public transport use and address first- and last-mile connectivity issues.
He added that the proposal is being reviewed by the state government, and Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari would announce the decision soon.
“The administration is reviewing the best method to ensure the subsidy can expand DRT use among the public, while addressing the issue of connectivity.
“We also view the current conflict as an opportunity to encourage more people to move to public transport, ultimately reducing reliance on petrol and diesel,” he told Media Selangor.
In a related development, Ng said the Smart Selangor bus service will operate as usual, thanks to diesel subsidies offered by the federal government.
Global oil prices have surged since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February. Tehran responded by restricting access through the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
Meanwhile, Ng expressed hope that electric vehicle (EV) usage in the state’s public transport system can be expanded soon amid the fuel crisis.
“At present, only the Subang Jaya route fully operates with electric vehicles, along with several routes in Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya and Hulu Selangor.
“There is a need to accelerate plans to deploy electric buses across all routes. This also serves as a long-term measure and allows us to adapt to the current situation,” Ng highlighted.
