Ten new transportation projects have been included in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) including the Penang light rail transit (LRT) project.

During the presentation of the mid-term review of the 12MP, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government emphasised the development of sustainable and resilient transport and logistics infrastructure.

“A major shift in strengthening the public transport network will provide better access and connectivity.

“More people will enjoy public transport services that are increasingly efficient, reliable, affordable and safe,” he said in Parliament yesterday.

The other nine new transportation projects are the expansion of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and intra-city bus services including in Johor Bahru and the Klang Valley; upgrading of the Senai-Desaru Highway; widening of the North-South Highway (from Yong Peng to Senai Utara) in phases; construction of Sarawak-Sabah Link Road II; construction of Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Phase 1B; Penang International Airport expansion; redevelopment of Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang; upgrading the East-West Highway from Gerik, Perak to Jeli, Kelantan; and upgrading the road from Tanah Rata to Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands.

“The development of a new port on Carey Island is also expected to strengthen Port Klang as a regional transshipment hub.

“The government will also improve transport infrastructure maintenance works to extend the lifespan of roads, rail assets and air navigation equipment,” he added.

Source: NST Online