Transport Sector Must Prioritise Growth, Environmental Sustainability - Loke
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The future of transport must support long-term economic growth while responding responsibly to environmental challenges, according to the Ministry of Transport (MoT).
Its Minister Anthony Loke said Malaysia must continue to strengthen connectivity across transport modes, improve the efficiency of freight movement, encourage more sustainable mobility solutions and deepen regional cooperation.
"Within ASEAN, better connectivity can reduce trade barriers, strengthen supply chains and open new opportunities for businesses and communities," he said in his address at the Transport Expo Asia (TXA) awards gala dinner 2026 here today.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and MoT Secretary General Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan.
Loke also said that other priorities besides sustainability are safety and innovation.
He said Malaysia must continue to strengthen its safety culture, improve enforcement, embrace evidence-based interventions and harness technology to prevent accidents and reduce risks.
Loke emphasised that digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence and emerging transport technologies are creating new opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service reliability and the passenger experience.
"These three priorities, namely safety, innovation as well as sustainability and connectivity, are interconnected. They provide a foundation for a transport system that is resilient, competitive and future-ready," he said.
Loke said that the government must continue to provide clear policy direction, effective regulation and an enabling environment for growth.
He said industries must continue to invest, innovate and deliver high-quality services.
"Our institutions must develop the talent and expertise needed to support an evolving transport landscape," he said.
By aligning these efforts, Loke said that Malaysia can strengthen its competitiveness, deepen regional connectivity and build a transport ecosystem that is resilient, inclusive and ready for the future.
-- BERNAMA