Kuala lumpur: An academician has proposed the establishment of a new ministry or central agency to ensure the effective implementation and monitoring of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). This initiative aims to develop measurable milestones to ensure the plan’s long-term sustainability.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Wan Mazlina Wan Mohamed, director of the Malaysia Institute of Transport (MiTRANS) and associate professor at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), emphasized the need for a central coordinating agency. This body would drive long-term, comprehensive government reforms effectively and publish annual progress reports to promote transparency and track outcomes. Dr. Wan Mazlina stressed the importance of oversight in the execution of plans.
The proposed ministry or central agency would focus on consistently monitoring policy implementation over the next decade. Dr. Wan Mazlina highlighted the importance of developing measurable milestones and conducting periodic reviews to ensure policy sustainability. She warned that without such a coordinating body, the 13MP’s development programs could suffer from fragmented execution due to siloed efforts by different agencies and ministries.
Dr. Wan Mazlina pointed out the challenges of assessing a policy’s effectiveness without measurable outcomes. She expressed concerns that plans might exist only on paper without proper execution mechanisms, risking policy fatigue and missed opportunities in rapidly evolving areas such as mobility, logistics, sustainability, and digitalization.
The central coordinating body’s appointment is vital for the seamless and effective implementation of 13MP, according to Dr. Wan Mazlina.
Proposed Functions of the Central Task Force
Dr. Wan Mazlina outlined that the proposed central body should act as a coordinating agency to drive long-term, whole-of-government reforms effectively. This includes developing a clear roadmap with defined timelines and performance indicators to ensure structured and accountable implementation across existing ministries.
The agency would facilitate coordination among ministries and state governments while engaging the private sector and civil society for broader collaboration. Dr. Wan Mazlina emphasized the importance of publishing annual progress reports to ensure transparency and track measurable outcomes. A dedicated body would allow policies to be reviewed and adapted in response to evolving global and local challenges.
Key Focus Areas for the 13MP: Transport Infrastructure
In the transport sector, Dr. Wan Mazlina advocated for prioritizing the upgrading of Malaysia’s airports under the 13MP to support the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. She warned that without modernization, Malaysia risks falling behind regional competitors, compromising visitor experience and logistical capacity.
Dr. Wan Mazlina highlighted the need to expand terminal capacity at key international gateways such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang, Langkawi, and Kota Kinabalu. Enhancing immigration and customs clearance systems through automation, including e-gates and biometric systems, is crucial.
Additionally, she stressed the importance of developing domestic and secondary airports, especially in Terengganu, Sabah, Sarawak, and at Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airports. These upgrades are essential to accommodate rising domestic tourism, support rural development, and strengthen air cargo services, particularly those linked to e-commerce and the agriculture sectors.