(File pix) More transit-oriented developments in Selangor will increase the use of public transport. Pix by Adzlan Sidek
MORE transit-oriented developments (TODs) will come up on land owned by Railway Assets Corp (RAC) in Selangor, in a move to increase the use of public transport.
The focus for the TOD is to build affordable houses, said Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.
It was reported that the TOD developments would start in Bangi and Port Klang.
Initial developments would also come up in Shah Alam, where RAC owns 5.3ha of land sandwiched between Bukit Subang Jaya and Batu 3 rail stations.
RAC, which is tasked to manage, administer and maintain assets related to the railway infrastructure and ancillary facilities in Malaysia, owns about 1,461ha of railway land in Selangor.
Nationwide, it owns 15,378 ha of land along the KTM railways and in prime areas. Some 80 per
cent of the land has been used to build 1,650km tracks from Padang Besar to Johor Baru and Tumpat to Gemas, 170 stations, 16 depots and warehouses.
Menteri Besar Selangor Inc (MBI Selangor) and RAC are drafting a development plan to transform RAC’s land in Selangor, aimed at promoting sustainable and liveable communities.
The focus for the TOD is to build affordable houses, said Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.
It was reported that the TOD developments would start in Bangi and Port Klang.
Initial developments would also come up in Shah Alam, where RAC owns 5.3ha of land sandwiched between Bukit Subang Jaya and Batu 3 rail stations.
RAC, which is tasked to manage, administer and maintain assets related to the railway infrastructure and ancillary facilities in Malaysia, owns about 1,461ha of railway land in Selangor.
Nationwide, it owns 15,378 ha of land along the KTM railways and in prime areas. Some 80 per
cent of the land has been used to build 1,650km tracks from Padang Besar to Johor Baru and Tumpat to Gemas, 170 stations, 16 depots and warehouses.
Menteri Besar Selangor Inc (MBI Selangor) and RAC are drafting a development plan to transform RAC’s land in Selangor, aimed at promoting sustainable and liveable communities.
Amirudin said the development would make a provision for desirable and affordable housing and good connectivity, simultaneously looking into revitalising economic development around railway stations.
He said this after the inking of a memorandum of understanding between MBI Selangor and RAC
early this month. The signing was witnessed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
The partnership is in support of the federal government’s aim in realising Selangor’s vision to be Smart State by 2025. The government targets to achieve this by connecting integrated public transportation with affordable homes.
“We are constantly challenging ourselves to resolve the rakyat’s issues. This effort will also work towards revitalising economic development around railway stations and its surrounding community,” said Amirudin.
Although the affordable houses are located in transportation hubs, MBI Selangor and RAC will ensure that their prices are in accordance with the state government’s policy for an affordable house to cost RM250,000 and the federal government’s policy, below RM300,000.
RAC has the experience to undertake TOD developments, having completed one with SP Setia Bhd for the Abdullah Hukum light rail transit station in KL Eco City. The corporation has also started a TOD venture with MKH Bhd for Kajang 2, a new township located in the vicinity of Kajang.
Meanwhile, Loke said the existence of affordable homes in transportation hubs will impact the trend of public transport utilisation.
He said the existing rail services on the RAC land which would make way for TODs would drive population and economic growth in the areas.
“Railways are the most effective (mode of transportation) and frequently used by people living in cities. More affordable homes available nearby railway stations will increase the ridership. In addition to the rail sector, public transport services, such as taxis, e-hailing and buses, would
also have an impact on the increase in the number of users, when these railway stations are used as stops for them to take and drop passengers.”
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