Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is intensifying efforts to expedite the opening of the Light Rail Transit Line 3 (LRT3), connecting Shah Alam and its surrounding areas to help ease traffic congestion in the Klang Valley. Minister Anthony Loke said the move is crucial for providing commuters with more public transport options, while acknowledging the significant challenges arising from the sharp increase in private vehicles on the roads.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke emphasized the ministry's commitment to opening the LRT3 as part of mitigation measures to offer passengers more transport options. He spoke at a press conference after handing over souvenirs to passengers of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration at KL Sentral. Also present was KTMB chairman Datuk Ahmad Redza Abdullah.

Commenting further on congestion, particularly during festive seasons, Loke said all parties need to understand the reality of the daily increase in vehicle numbers. He noted that vehicle sales in Malaysia last year reached a very high 820,000 units, making the country the largest vehicle market in Southeast Asia, surpassing Indonesia and Thailand.

Loke stated that while mitigation is carried out during festive seasons, the continuous increase in vehicle numbers presents ongoing challenges. He highlighted the absence of a policy to control vehicle numbers, mentioning that proposals such as an end-of-life vehicle disposal policy could lead to other issues and complaints. The minister added that while the government has yet to implement any policy to regulate vehicle numbers, the matter requires serious long-term consideration.

Meanwhile, Loke announced that in conjunction with the Chinese New Year and with the addition of three new Electric Train Service 3 (ETS3) sets, KTMB is providing 16 additional ETS trips, bringing the total number of ETS services operating daily throughout the festive period to 58 trips.