KLANG, June 28 - The Transport Ministry (MOT) has identified several areas around stations along the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) Shah Alam Line for transit-oriented development (TOD).
Its minister, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, said that among the potential areas are the Sri Andalas, Kayu Ara, Bandar Bukit Tinggi and Johan Setia stations, which have large areas for the development of commercial centres or affordable housing.
“In the past, it was just park and ride and the land was not optimised. For example... 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 to optimise land use and implement the TOD concept,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after the launch of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line here today,,
It was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari.
Loke said any development in these areas will involve the cooperation of the private sector in ensuring the public gets to enjoy the benefits.
He said Prasarana Malaysia (Prasarana) also plans to add five more stations for the Shah Alam Line, namely at Tropicana, Raja Muda, Temasya, Bukit Raja and Bandar Botanik, with construction expected to begin at the end of this year.
Earlier, Anwar, during his speech at the launch, called for Prasarana-owned land located near public transport stations to be developed into public housing projects under the TOD concept.
He said developments in strategic areas near LRT and MRT stations must also prioritise adequate parking facilities and commercial spaces for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs.
He said the approach would not only reduce commuting costs and increase the use of public transport, but would also have the potential to generate better commercial returns.
