RAWANG, Oct 19 — Extending the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) service to Rawang is among the public transport improvements residents hope the 2027 Selangor Budget will address to ease traffic congestion amid rapid development in the area.
Rawang state assemblyman Chua Wei Kiat said the population growth and expanding development, reaching all the way to Hulu Selangor, require more comprehensive public transport planning to meet community needs.
Although extending the MRT to Rawang has been a long-term proposal, he hopes it can be realised within the next five to 10 years.
“I hope the MRT will be extended to Rawang. I know it is not an easy undertaking, but at least we are raising the issue today, and we hope it can become a reality one day, perhaps in the next five to 10 years,” Chua said.
He was speaking to the media after inspecting an upgrading project at the Kampung Kenanga Village Community Management Council's open hall today.
Chua added that he hopes the state government will facilitate discussions with the federal government to increase the frequency of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) train services at the Rawang station, particularly during off-peak hours.
The limited train schedules during these periods are among the issues that require attention, given the population growth and expanding development in the area.
“Selangor is no longer just the Klang Valley. Development is spreading further, from Rawang and Kuala Kubu Baharu to Hulu Selangor. However, the lack of public transport is contributing to traffic congestion in these areas,” he said.
Beyond public transport, facilities catering to senior citizens and disabled persons should also be prioritised in preparation for demographic changes.
“Planning must begin early to ensure public facilities meet the needs of these groups, including step-free access, so that we are better prepared for an ageing state,” Chua said.
Previously, Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) President Shahman Jalaludin said efforts to revitalise Old Town Rawang would be strengthened through an integrated system powered by artificial intelligence (AI), aimed at addressing various problems faced by the public.
He noted that this approach could help resolve a range of local issues, including traffic congestion in the area.
Meanwhile, Shahman said AI integration at MPS’s integrated control centre, which is 60 per cent complete, is expected to be fully completed early next year after integrating various systems and data sources.
