The allocation forms part of a broader long-term initiative by Prasarana to enhance public transport infrastructure and improve commuter accessibility.
KUALA LUMPUR: The continued lack of proper bus stop shelters in Kuala Lumpur and Penang has prompted Prasarana to propose infrastructure upgrades supported by a RM6.5 million allocation from the Transport Ministry (MOT) to seven municipalities across the Klang Valley and Penang in 2026.
Rapid Bus acting chief executive officer Ku Jamil Zakaria said the allocation forms part of a broader long-term initiative by Prasarana to enhance public transport infrastructure and improve commuter accessibility.
He explained that the funding follows a similar implementation model previously used, where allocations are channelled through local authorities to provide greater flexibility in implementation.
“Initially, RM5 million was allocated for projects involving Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), Kajang Municipal Council (MPKJ), Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) and Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
“Subsequently, an additional RM1.5 million was allocated to DBKL to further improve infrastructure,” he told reporters after the Ride or Latte with Rapid KL programme at the Rapid Bus Complex in South Cheras today.
Ku Jamil said the initiative forms part of a wider RM15 million allocation over three years under the 13th Malaysia Plan, with local authorities given flexibility in deciding how projects are carried out.
“We provide the allocation and municipalities determine how best to implement the upgrades. If costs can be optimised, more improvements can be delivered,” he said.
He added that 264 bus stops are expected to be built under the 2026 allocation.
Ku Jamil stressed that the initiative was proposed by Prasarana following detailed studies and on-site assessments of existing bus stop conditions.
“We initiated this proposal and sought support from the government and MOT. Many bus stops currently lack basic facilities. Some consist only of a pole without proper shelter,” he said.
He said that the lack of adequate shelters has caused inconvenience to commuters, particularly during heavy rain and extreme heat.
Apart from bus stop upgrades, Prasarana has also identified significant shortcomings in pedestrian accessibility around public transport areas.
“There are locations without proper walkways, forcing commuters to walk along grass verges or uneven surfaces. This becomes even more challenging during rainy weather.
“There are two key components in this initiative; bus stop infrastructure upgrades and improvements to pedestrian connectivity.
“Through earlier collaboration with the Housing and Local Government Ministry, a total of 344 bus stops and 24 walkway projects covering approximately 7.5km have been completed since 2025, with all works fully completed in March 2026,” he said.
He added that although priority would be given to locations along Prasarana-operated routes, the upgraded facilities would remain accessible to all public transport users, including other bus operators and taxis.
“Although most of the bus stops serve our routes, they are open for use by other buses and taxis. There are no restrictions,” he said.
Ku Jamil also said Prasarana had carried out feasibility studies, traffic assessments and bus lane evaluations before submitting the proposal to the government.
“We undertook the necessary studies and presented the proposal before receiving support from the ministry. Prasarana is the implementing agency for this initiative,” he said.
He added that the upgraded facilities are expected to feature joint branding by DBKL and Prasarana as part of the collaboration.
Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry had approved an additional RM1.5 million allocation to DBKL to build and upgrade bus stops following complaints over inadequate facilities at several locations in Kuala Lumpur.
He said a common complaint among city residents was that commuters were often forced to wait by roadsides due to the absence of proper bus stops, designated waiting areas and signage, adding that the issue must be addressed.
Loke said each bus stop costs between RM15,000 and RM30,000 to build or upgrade, with the allocation expected to cover around 100 bus stops.
He added that a similar initiative had previously been carried out in Penang with local authorities, expressing hope that DBKL would be able to implement the upgrades more quickly, noting that the 100 bus stops in Penang took six months to complete compared with a possible three-month timeline in Kuala Lumpur.
