SHAH ALAM, July 15 — Subang Jaya is among the earliest adopters of transit-oriented development (TOD) principles, said the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), citing the city’s Saujana Residency as a good example of integrating mixed-use developments with public transport for a more sustainable, accessible community.
In a parliamentary written reply yesterday, it said other TODs include KL Sentral and Perla @ Ara Sentral in Damansara, where residential, commercial and public spaces are integrated with public transport networks, supported by pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and improved access to transit stations.
“These developments have applied TOD principles by integrating mixed-use developments with public transport systems, providing quality pedestrian networks and improving accessibility to transit stations,” it said in response to a question from Tan Hong Pin (Harapan-Bakri).
Tan had requested for a list of TODs in the country, and asked if the government plans to introduce incentives for TODs, similar to other countries that provide tax breaks, central subsidies and plot ratio incentives.
KPKT said there is not yet a list of TODs in Malaysia.
“However, the government remains committed to strengthening TOD as a key strategy for creating more liveable, efficient and inclusive cities,” it added.
It said TOD integrates land-use planning with quality public transport systems to improve accessibility, stimulate local economic growth, reduce dependence on private vehicles and support Malaysia’s low-carbon development agenda.
“PLANMalaysia introduced the Transit-Oriented Development Planning Guidelines in 2018 to guide state governments, local authorities and developers in planning integrated developments around public transport.
“The guidelines include planning incentives such as allowing higher development density or plot ratios near public transport hubs, reducing parking requirements by between 20 and 100 per cent depending on the transit influence zone, and encouraging mixed-use developments comprising residential, commercial, office, community facilities and public spaces,” it said.
KPKT also highlighted efforts to support development along the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), with PLANMalaysia preparing the Integrated Land Use Master Plan for the ECRL Corridor, which identifies 17 TOD stations and three Cargo-Oriented Development (COD) stations to drive new regional growth.
The ministry said the government will prioritise the construction of more affordable homes within TOD areas under the 13th Malaysia Plan, through public-private collaborations.
“The government will continue strengthening the integration of land use planning and public transport, expand TOD projects in suitable locations, and enhance collaboration with stakeholders to increase public transport use, drive urban economic growth, and improve public well-being,” KPKT said.
