SPAD Expected to Be Implemented in September

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 (Bernama)

The Land Public Transport Authority (SPAD) is expected to be implemented in September, once the Land Public Transport bill is approved in Parliament.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Land Public Transport Bill will rationalise the entire sector and bring the regulation of most aspects of public transport under a single regulator.

"The land public transport sector is among very important sectors to the government. Without a good public transport system, the people's confidence in the government will erode," he said when speaking at Keretapi Tanah Melayu's (KTM) 125th anniversary celebrations here Monday.

Muhyiddin said the government, having realised the importance of the public transport system, has drawn out six policies to revamp the system and provide efficient service to the people.

He said the six aspects given priority are passenger safety, service efficiency, network, integrated transport system, monitoring and planning.

"From the development point of view for rail transport, the government will ensure rail transport become the backbone for the integrated public transport system," he said.

Muhyiddin said SPAD would be responsible for the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project for public transport that would be integrated with other rail transport providers, apart from KTM.

He added that the plan to be carried out at an overall cost of RM36 billion would be implemented in the early stages of the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).

Muhyiddin said KTM Berhad had contributed immensely, not only in areas of providing transport but in the development of land owned, like the Kuala Lumpur Sentral and Johor Baharu Sentral developments.

"Such assets will not only propel the progress of public transport system but development of the country as well," he said.

He said apart from historic corporate buildings at the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and Ipoh Railway Station, KTM Berhad can also be proud of modern infrastructure which has replaced many stations with the implementation of the double-tracking project.

In addition to the Rawang-Ipoh, Ipoh-Padang Besar and Seremban-Gemas double-tracking projects carried out, another feasible study was being carried out for the double-tracking project from Gemas to Johor Baharu, he said.

In conjunction with KTM Berhad's 125th anniversary, Pos Malaysia and Bank Negara Malaysia would also issue commemorative stamps and coins.-- BERNAMA