In its first year, Kerajaan Perpaduan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change and making long awaited improvements to the country. With a dedicated focus on the well-being of its citizens, the government has implemented a range of transformative initiatives aimed at addressing societal challenges and upgrading the overall quality of life.
Anthony Loke epitomizes the efficiency and hardworking ethos of Kerajaan Perpaduan through his tireless dedication and effective leadership as a minister. As a key figure in the government, Loke has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled work ethic, tirelessly driving initiatives and policies to fruition. His commitment to efficiency is evident in the streamlined and results-oriented approach he brings to his ministerial responsibilities.
Such is the distinctive profile of Anthony Loke, who concurrently holds the position of Secretary-General of the Democratic Action Party (DAP). His noteworthy accomplishments in effecting numerous reforms during his tenure as the Minister of Transportation under the Harapan Government 22 was reassumed with the Kerajaan Perpaduan government.
Anthony Loke reaffirms his merit for occupying a pivotal role within the cabinet of Kerajaan Perpaduan, substantiated by the myriad successful reforms and achievements executed during his stewardship of the Ministry of Transportation (MOT) within the span of less than a year.
Here are some of the main achievements and important changes carried out by the Ministry of Transportation under Anthony Loke’s leadership:
Reforms to Public Transportation
1. The frequency of the Kelana Jaya LRT route has been improved to every 3 minutes during peak hours
The Kelana Jaya LRT route successfully achieved a frequency of one train every three minutes during peak hours at the end of October 2023, following the operation of three new four-car trains for the Kelana Jaya route that commenced service in September 2023 to enhance peak-hour service frequency.
2. Improving the comfort of public transportation users
Several days after being sworn in as the Minister of Transportation, Anthony Loke spent two hours inspecting the conditions of the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit (LRT) service during peak hours without the knowledge of the Prasarana administration.
Anthony’s initiative to conduct a ‘spot check’ to personally observe the actual experiences of users gained widespread attention and received positive responses from the Malaysian public, who commended the action.
As a result, he directed the institutionalization of maintenance works for public transportation facilities to ensure that the nation’s public amenities consistently maintain the highest standards for the comfort of users.
3. Implementation of Women’s Coaches in MRT
In line with the government’s efforts to ensure the safety of female passengers when using public transportation, the Ministry of Transportation (MOT) has introduced dedicated coaches for women on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, starting with the Kajang route in October 2023. Apart from MRT, MOT also plans to introduce special coaches for women on Light Rail Transit (LRT) services in the near future
4. Free Passes for School Students and OKU
The introduction of the MyRailLife free travel pass is an initiative by the Ministry of Transportation (MOT) to alleviate the transportation expenses for all school students and Persons with Disabilities (OKU). Starting from February 15, 2023, all school students from year one to form six, aged seven to nineteen, as well as OKU individuals, can enjoy the KTM Shuttle Timuran Gemas-Tumpat sector, KTM Komuter Lembah Klang sector, and KTM Komuter Northern sector services for free.
5. MyBAS50 Johor Initiative
In March, MOT launched the MyBAS50 initiative for myBAS Johor Bahru, introducing a special unlimited monthly pass for the people of Johor. This service covers 19 routes across five corridors, namely Kota Tinggi, Masai, Kulai, Gelang Patah, and Pontian. Since the introduction of the MyBAS50 pass, the subscription has reached up to 1,004 users per month, witnessing a 40% increase in average monthly passengers.
Land Transport Improvements
6. Driving License Renewal Extended to 10 Years
In May, the Ministry of Transportation (MOT) introduced the initiative to extend the renewal period for the Malaysia Driving License (LMM) to 10 years with a special fee rate. This means that Malaysians can now renew their driving licenses for a maximum period of 10 years.
7. Digitization of Road Tax and Driving Licenses
Starting from February 10, 2023, private vehicle owners no longer need to display the Vehicle License (LKM) or road tax and the Malaysia Private Driving License (LMM) physically, as they can now be owned and accessed digitally through the MyJPJ application. This update was made in response to public complaints about the inconvenience of displaying physical road tax stickers, and this digitization strategy serves as a solution.”
8. Age Limit for E-hailing Vehicles Extended from 10 to 15 Years
In an effort to alleviate the cost of living for the people, Anthony Loke has announced an extension of the maximum age limit for the use of vehicles in the taxi and e-hailing categories to 15 years from January 1, 2023, up from the previous limit of 10 years. He emphasized that although the age limit for vehicles has been increased, drivers still need to ensure cleanliness and safety aspects by conducting regular inspections every year. The implementation of this new policy is expected to help ease the burden on taxi and e-hailing drivers.”
Maritime Transportation
9. New Penang Ferry Service
The Ministry of Transportation (MOT) has introduced a more comfortable and sophisticated ferry service between the Raja Tun Uda Terminal (PRTU) and the Sultan Abdul Halim Terminal (PSAH) in Butterworth.
The launch of these four new ferries has recorded a total of 801,268 passengers until October 31, 2023. According to Anthony, the new ferries were developed with innovative concepts and full safety features, equipped with two engines capable of long-term operation.”
Air transportation
10. FlySiswa Initiative
FlySiswa is an initiative providing subsidized flight ticket assistance for public university students for domestic routes between the Peninsula, Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. It is expected to benefit over 56,000 students. As of November 10, 2023, a total of 50,041 eligible students have received 35,519 ticket vouchers. This is evidence of the Unity Government’s attentiveness to the needs of the people, especially students.
