Rail Disruptions Drop Significantly as ECRL Nears Completion

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has been a central figure in Malaysia's infrastructure and policy landscape, focusing on digitalisation, public transport reliability, and legislative reform to improve the daily lives of commuters .

Driving legislative change for road safety

In a significant move to address road safety, the Ministry of Transport is working on amendments to the Road Transport Act. The proposed changes aim to empower courts to order drivers convicted of drunk or drug-impaired driving to provide direct financial compensation to victims . By merging criminal and civil proceedings, the government hopes to spare families the burden of lengthy, expensive private lawsuits . The ministry is targeting the first parliamentary sitting of 2027 to table this Bill .

Digitalising the road transport experience

A hallmark of Loke's tenure has been the push for a digital-first approach to government services. This includes the widespread adoption of the MyJPJ app for digital road tax and driving licences, which has significantly reduced the need for physical documentation . Additionally, the ministry has enabled drivers to renew their licences for up to 10 years, offering greater convenience for the public .

Improving rail reliability and commuter support

Public transport efficiency has seen measurable gains under Loke's leadership. Data from Prasarana Malaysia shows that annual rail service disruptions dropped from 252 cases in 2022 to 31 cases in 2025 . Beyond infrastructure, the ministry continues to support commuters through initiatives like the My50 unlimited travel pass and the FLYsiswa programme, which assists students travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia .

Progress on major national infrastructure

The ministry is also overseeing several long-term transport projects aimed at enhancing national connectivity. As of January 2026, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) reached 91.7% completion, with operations targeted for early 2027 . Other ongoing efforts include the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link and the transition towards electric vehicle adoption, including the restructuring of EV road-tax rates .