Prioritise Small Businesses In Railway Station Development Especially In Rural Areas - PM

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for greater prioritisation of local participation, including petty traders and micro entrepreneurs, in every phase of developing the country’s railway station transport network, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the new railway stations should not be viewed solely as transport infrastructure, but as emerging economic hubs, with the potential to attract further investments and generate opportunities which directly benefit local communities.

“We want to ensure that food stalls in the surrounding areas are upgraded, while housing, job opportunities and other initiatives which benefit the people are further expanded,” he said.

“This is what sets the MADANI Economy approach apart, as development must reach a level we can be proud of. But at the same time, it requires compassion, targeted interventions or a guiding hand from the government, supported by the private sector, including major companies,” he said at the launch of the operationalisation of the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Track Rail Project.

The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, graced the event at the Kempas Baru station here today.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Transport Minister Anthony Loke. 

Anwar said Johor, for instance, which is currently recording robust economic performance with investments nearing RM100 billion, must leverage the potential of small railway stations across the network.

“Johor has established itself as a strong economy, but our economic approach must translate into higher incomes for the people and more inclusive development,” he said.

Regarding the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Track Rail Project, Anwar said that he was proud of its completion, describing it as a model for national development in transport infrastructure.

“Transport networks are essential for nation-building. We need airports, ports and highways. We are now close to completing our core infrastructure, and the challenge ahead is to ensure that the benefits are fully enjoyed by the people,” he said.

The 192-kilometre Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Track Rail Project includes the construction of 11 new stations, each designed to reflect Johor’s identity and heritage. The stations span four main districts - Segamat, Kluang, Kulai and Johor Bahru - with the line culminating at JB Sentral.

Meanwhile, Anwar said the federal government is adopting a more inclusive approach by incorporating input from state governments into all development planning, including the preparation of the national budget and the Malaysia Plan.

He added that the government’s approach emphasises a deliberative process, with federal leaders engaging directly with state administrations to gather views, suggestions and concerns before any policy is finalised.

-- BERNAMA