KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged that land owned by Prasarana Malaysia Berhad near rail stations be developed into people’s housing under the transit-oriented development (TOD) concept, alongside commercial spaces and adequate commuter facilities.
Speaking at the launch of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line at the Johan Setia LRT Depot on Sunday, Anwar said development around key transport hubs such as LRT and MRT stations should prioritise affordable housing, small and medium-sized enterprises, and improved parking infrastructure, Bernama reported.
“The approach would not only help reduce commuters’ travel costs and encourage greater use of public transport, but could also generate stronger commercial returns.
“I do not think the focus here should be luxury housing, but rather people’s housing, together with small and medium-sized shops and stalls to add value,” he said.
Anwar said he had tasked Transport Minister Anthony Loke with expediting the development of Prasarana’s extensive landbank, particularly in densely populated urban areas, to ensure it is fully utilised for public benefit.
He stressed that closer coordination is needed between the Transport Ministry, Prasarana, the Finance Ministry, state governments and local authorities to accelerate TOD implementation.
“So, I ask the Chief Secretary, Prasarana, the Selangor Menteri Besar and the Shah Alam Mayor to cooperate so that this can be implemented quickly,” he said.
Anwar also highlighted the need for bureaucratic reform to speed up approval processes for development projects, including public housing, saying efficiency would directly benefit the public.
“If we can increase our speed, we can provide comfort to thousands of people. What we want to stress is: do not steal money, do not embezzle, do not use delays to take commissions that are not rightfully ours,” he said.
He added that TOD-based developments around Prasarana land should serve as a model for efficient project delivery, with a target of completing people’s housing projects in Shah Alam within two to three years.
Earlier, Anwar also announced that rides on the LRT3 line and its feeder bus services will be free for one month, from June 29 to July 31.
The government, he said, is committed to encouraging public transport usage while easing the cost of living for commuters.
Also present at the launch were Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
The LRT3 Shah Alam Line, which links Bandar Utama to Johan Setia over a 37.8-kilometre route, is expected to serve about two million residents. Prasarana is targeting a daily ridership of 67,000 passengers in its first year, rising to 117,708 within five years.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said several stations along the line, including Sri Andalas, Kayu Ara, Bandar Bukit Tinggi and Johan Setia, have been identified as suitable for TOD projects involving private sector participation.
“In the past, it was just park and ride and the land was not optimised. Say for example the space is for 600 vehicles, it will only benefit these 600 vehicles because those using LRT will usually park their vehicles from morning to night.
“… so, even if there are 600 parking bays, it will only benefit those 600 vehicles as the spaces are occupied throughout the day. So, we need to review this, as the government’s policy is for us to optimise the use of land and this TOD concept,” he said.
He added that Prasarana also plans to introduce five additional stations along the Shah Alam Line—Tropicana, Raja Muda, Temasya, Bukit Raja and Bandar Botanik—with construction expected to begin by the end of the year. – June 28, 2026
Tags: Prasarana, LRT3 Shah Alam Line, transit-oriented development, Anthony Loke, affordable housing