SHAH ALAM, Oct 7 — More than half of the country's 40.77 million registered vehicles are classified as active, as continued reliance on private transport contributes to congestion, longer travel times and other economic and environmental costs, the Transport Ministry said.
Active vehicles account for 65.3 per cent, or 26.6 million, of the country's registered vehicles as of September 30.
The ministry said the increase in private vehicles also exposes road users to greater accident risks while raising travel costs, worsening air pollution and placing greater pressure on road infrastructure.
"The increase in private vehicles is contributing to traffic congestion and greater exposure to accident risks, while lengthening travel times and affecting productivity and the people's well-being.
"Continued dependence on private vehicles also increases travel costs and air pollution, while placing additional pressure on road infrastructure," the ministry said in a written parliamentary reply dated October 6.
It said it is implementing an integrated approach focused on three areas: strengthening public transport and connectivity, improving traffic management through infrastructure and technology, and shifting freight transport from road to rail.
Measures include expanding public transport services such as the LRT3, ETS services to JB Sentral and the planned Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link between Bukit Chagar and Woodlands North.
The ministry added that technologies such as artificial intelligence are also being used to adjust traffic light timings based on real-time traffic conditions.
At the same time, Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras integrated with the Road Transport Department's (JPJ) MySIKAP system can detect vehicles with expired road tax or insurance without the need for physical roadblocks.
Under the Road to Rail agenda in the 13th Malaysia Plan, the ministry said the government is targeting an increase in the share of freight transported by rail from six per cent in 2025 to 13 per cent by 2030, supported by rail connections to logistics facilities, ports and cargo hubs, including the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).
According to the ministry, shifting more long-distance freight to rail would reduce reliance on heavy vehicles, easing congestion and accident risks while reducing pressure on road infrastructure.
"The ministry remains committed to addressing traffic congestion and reducing road accidents through a whole-of-government approach," it said.
