(IPS) news focus

- Without an integrated urban transport policy, Malaysia's roads are teeming with private vehicles, but lack public transportation, an alarming trend that needs fixing, say experts.

Confirming widespread suspicions, a transport planner has revealed that vehicle density on the roads of Malaysia's northern state of Penang has far outstripped that in Hong Kong and Singapore.

The revelation by Ganesh Rasagam at a transport seminar recently supports a long-held belief that Malaysia's urban centres are among the most vehicle-dependent in Asia.

This trend is likely the result of a combination of factors including the promotion of the national cars and a lack of political will and coordination in promoting public transport.