Malaysia rail ridership tops one million daily

Photo: Yusof Isa

Daily ridership on Malaysia’s urban rail network has moved beyond one million passengers following the opening of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line, although rising car ownership and crowded services continue to challenge efforts to reduce congestion.

Rail demand continues to grow

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said use of the Klang Valley rail system has recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Demand remains especially strong on the Kelana Jaya Line, while the new LRT3 route has added passengers and extended the network to more communities.

Malaysia’s rail operator Prasarana has improved its overall performance since late 2022, when frequent disruptions, failed station facilities and maintenance problems had damaged public confidence. The company now reports operating indicators regularly to the ministry, with maintenance and service reliability receiving closer scrutiny.

Disruptions fell during 2024 and 2025, although difficulties returned on the ageing Kelana Jaya Line in early 2026. Additional trains intended to ease crowding have not yet arrived, leaving capacity under pressure at busy periods.

More cars keep roads congested

Even as rail use grows, Malaysia continues to add large numbers of vehicles. More than 700,000 vehicles were sold last year, increasing pressure on roads and limiting the visible impact of public transport investment on traffic congestion.

Loke said many people still depend on older cars, particularly outside densely served urban areas, making a compulsory end-of-life vehicle policy difficult to introduce. Public transport cannot reach every neighbourhood, especially dispersed housing estates on the outskirts of the Klang Valley.

Demand-responsive transport now operates at about 380 points, supported by feeder buses, carpooling and ride-sharing. Officials acknowledge that no single service can solve the first- and last-mile problem for every commuter.

What it means for foreigners in Malaysia

Foreign residents and visitors using the Klang Valley network can expect broader coverage from LRT3 but should still allow extra time during peak periods, particularly on the Kelana Jaya Line. Crowding and occasional disruptions remain possible while additional rolling stock is awaited.

The government is also expanding rail freight, tightening heavy-vehicle safety enforcement and encouraging airlines to restore capacity. Together, these measures aim to improve connections across Malaysia, but officials describe transport upgrades as a continuing programme rather than a completed fix.

14 August 2026