By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 12: Malaysia is ramping up its smart mobility agenda and modernising infrastructure management to ensure the nation’s road networks remain relevant in the face of rapid economic growth and urbanisation.
Speaking at Intertraffic Amsterdam today, Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi highlighted Malaysia’s focus on integrating technology into road management, stating that the country’s nearly 296,000 km road network, including over 5,000 km of highways linking major cities, ports, and economic corridors, requires smarter solutions to accommodate the rising number of vehicles, which reached 1.57 million new registrations in 2024.
“Every road we build is more than just a connection from one place to another as it links people to opportunities, jobs, education, and a better future,” he said, noting that the government is expanding the use of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and digital platforms to monitor traffic, enhance road safety, and manage movement more efficiently.
In a post shared on his social media, Nanta also emphasised the role of public participation in improving road infrastructure. Through the MYJalan app, citizens can report road damage or safety issues directly to authorities.
“To date, more than 54,000 reports have been received, with the majority successfully resolved,” he disclosed.
Citing the Kanowit–Song–Kapit road in Sarawak as an example, Nanta explained that modern infrastructure can drastically reduce travel times, allowing residents to reach Kapit by land in just two to three hours, compared to the longer river journey previously required.
The Works Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the national road network through projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway and the construction and upgrading of more than 2,800 km of rural roads under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
“The future of mobility is not just about building more roads, it’s about creating smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructure for the well-being of the people and the progress of the nation,” he said.
Malaysia is also encouraging collaboration with global industry partners via platforms such as the Malaysia Road Conference and the MY ASEAN Roads and Traffic Expo to drive innovation in mobility and infrastructure across the region. — DayakDaily
