The government has allocated RM17 billion for new roads and RM1.5 billion for urban transport under the 9th Malaysia Plan (2005-2010).

In the previous Eighth Malaysia Plan (2001-2005), the government had allocated RM18 billion and RM706 million respectively.

The emphasis will be on improving accessibility to less developed areas, particularly those with potential for tourism, agriculture development and rural growth centres.

The review of the Highway Network Development Plan (HNDP) - expected to be completed this year - will identify priority projects to improve the national road network in Peninsular Malaysia.

Another study will be undertaken to identify road networks required to expedite development of Sabah and Sarawak.

There will also be emphasis on road safety by improving the physical aspects of roads and inculcating good road ethics among users. Measures will be undertaken to improve accident-prone spots. These include the straightening of roads, providing lanes for overtaking and improving road markings.

Reinforcement works will be implemented on slope failures to prevent landslides, there will be more pedestrian crossings, especially in the vicinity of schools and road safety programmes will be intensified.

Urban transport

The development of urban transport will focus on encouraging a modal shift from private vehicles to public transport to alleviate traffic congestion.

Due to the decline in the usage of public transport in the Klang Valley, measures will be implemented to improve the public to private transport split and achieve a ratio of 30:70.

This includes the expansion of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and KTMB's Kommuter services, procurement of rolling stock and buses, enhancement of stations as well as park and ride facilities.

Integrated transport terminals will be constructed as transit hubs to enable inter-city passengers to access central areas by urban rail systems.

A commission will be established to regulate public transport in the Klang Valley. It will be responsible for the planning, coordinating and licensing of all public transport modes.

Several urban roads nationwide will be constructed or upgraded to improve traffic flow and dispersal in major cities.

To ensure an efficient, affordable and safe transport system, the National Transport Policy will outline the objectives and strategic directions towards this end.

Following the recent increase in fuel prices, which ignited strong protests, the government said it had saved RM4.4 billion in subsidies and this amount would be used to improve public transportation.

Rail transport

During the plan period, the development will focus on increasing operational efficiency as well as promoting rail transport as a major mode of freight transportation and efficient alternative.

Ports

Efforts to enhance the performance and productivity of ports will be continued in view of the stiff competition from regional ports.

Airports

Passenger traffic is forecasted to grow at an average rate of 5.8 percent per annum to 54.5 million passengers in 2010.

This will require the continued expansion of airport capacity and facilities. KLIA is expected to reach its capacity limit of 25 million passengers per annum by 2008.

During the plan period, the financially-troubled Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will focus on building a more viable and sustainable network and increasing its market share in the regional market.

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