Malaysia Transportation
During the British colonial era, Malaysia developed its transport network, including highways. The country has a total road network of 290,099.38 kilometers, with more than two thousand kilometers of expressways. Almost every major city in Malaysia is connected by public transportation. The road system in Malaysia is designed to make traveling across the country a comfortable experience. Here are some of the main routes used by the public in the country.
The Peninsular Peninsula’s long coastlines have facilitated maritime trade for millennia. Penang and Port Kelang have major container-handling facilities and several other ports are in the development stage. Ports in the southern state of Johor include Tanjung Pelepas and Pasir Gudang, while Kuantan is on the peninsula’s eastern coast. Other important ports of call include Kuching, Sarawak, and Sabah.
When traveling by air, there are many airlines that offer flights to major cities in Malaysia. Rail and road are both excellent options, but most islands are inhabited by only a few people. While you can get around Malaysia by train, buses, taxis, or Grab are the fastest ways to get from point A to point B. While you may want to hire a car, you should also be aware of the laws and regulations. For instance, you must have a valid international driving license and be between the ages of 21 and 60. Additionally, you must follow all rules of the road and wear your seat belt.
Long-distance taxis are widely available in Malaysia, especially in bigger cities. Although these vehicles are not crowded, they do require a reservation. The fare is generally double that of the express bus, so arriving early will maximize your chances of getting a taxi. While taxis are more convenient, they also cost twice as much as buses. You should also be aware that some taxi fares are inflated and unlicensed.
Integrated public transport systems require significant investments. However, it is crucial to make sure these systems remain relevant and convenient in the modern urban environment. For example, travel passes and cashless systems are both useful innovations that make public transportation in Malaysia much more convenient. Another way to encourage more riders to use public transport is to implement loyalty programs and incentives like point systems for frequent users. Another way to make it easier for passengers to navigate city streets is to develop apps that provide live traffic updates.
In the past, bicycle rickshaws and motorcycles with babies on the handlebars were a common sight on Malaysian roads. These days, Indian taxi drivers and bicycles have taken over the nation’s roads, but they are still a staple of the country’s rural landscape. In one photo, a man was on the front seat of a 60cc motorbike while his wife was seated in the middle, holding a baby. Two other children squished onto the back of the motorcycle.
Several bus companies operate in Malaysia. One of the largest bus operators is Konsortium Transnasional Berhad (KT). The company has four bus brands: Cityliner, express bus Pushliner, and luxury buses Nice. The company is capable of serving over 60 million passengers annually and offers bus services from various cities in Malaysia to Singapore. And because of its extensive road network, Malaysia is a great place to travel on a budget.
The public transport system in Malaysia is a work in progress. Critics have noted poor first and last-mile connectivity, poor pedestrian and rail station infrastructure, and lack of feeder bus services. However, the country has made progress in the area of upward social mobility. Today, the country has more than 196,000 people using the MRT, which is a highly reliable mass transit system. A reliable public transport system will help low-income urban households climb the socioeconomic ladder.
Several express buses connect Kuala Lumpur and the states of Peninsular Malaysia. The main terminals are Puduraya Bus Station, Hentian Putra Station, and Pekeliling Station. Remember to buy tickets well in advance, especially during the festive seasons. Alternatively, you can take the train. Many railway stations in Malaysia are colonial masterpieces with beautiful architecture. And if you don’t have any small change to change, Uber is a convenient option.
There are two major railway lines in Malaysia. The western coast rail has a wider variety of views and less monotony than the eastern coast. These two railway lines diverge in Gemas, but express trains are faster and make fewer stops. If you’re visiting small towns, however, slow trains are recommended. These services are cheap and offer all-weather access. Aside from trains, Malaysia’s public transportation system has modern subways and bus systems.
Buses
Buses in Malaysia can help you get around the country without a hassle. There are express buses that travel across the country, making your long-distance commute much easier. These buses are fast, safe, and comfortable. They make traveling by public transportation in Malaysia a breeze, and they’re a great option for travelers on a budget.
Buses are the most convenient mode of transport in Malaysia, and they’re much more affordable than trains. You can easily go from one major city to another, and even get to the islands. The country’s roads are much more extensive than its railway systems, making it a more convenient way to travel. And because it has more buses per capita than trains, you’ll save a lot of money by using them instead of trains.
Trains
Malaysia has a vast railway network that is operated by the state-owned KTM Berhad. Two types of trains circulate throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The KTM Intercity operates on the Bukit Mertajam-Butterworth branch, while the other branch lines are used for freight and local services. KTM Komuter uses the double-track and electrified West Coast Line between Rawang and Seremban.
The East Coast Rail Link, which is a standard gauge, double-track railway link, will link Port Klang to Kota Bharu. This link will connect states in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) including Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. It will also connect the Central Region with the Peninsular west coast. The ETS has a number of routes throughout Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand.
Car Rentals
If you are going to Malaysia, then you should consider renting a car. There are many companies that offer car rental services in Malaysia. Some of the most popular ones are Alamo, Avis, Europcar and Sunny Cars. You can also rent a car locally from a company such as Hawk Malaysia, Iprac, Mayflower or Kasina. All of these companies offer quality cars and offer affordable rates.
When you choose to rent a car in Malaysia, you should be aware of the terms and conditions. The car rental company should give you a grace period to return the car. However, if you leave the car longer than the grace period, you might be charged. This may differ from agency to agency.
Taxis
Taxis in Malaysia are cheap, convenient and adequate. The fares range from RM70 to RM100 for trips within the city. You can use pre-paid coupon taxis to get around town. If you want to avoid the long queues and haggling, avoid touts and use a direct route. Alternatively, you can take a ride-hailing app.
Taxis in Malaysia are not very popular, but they are convenient for those who do not want to deal with the hustle and bustle of public transport. Malaysian taxis have two types: local and long-distance. The red and white ones are used within the city, while the yellow and blue ones are used for long-distance trips. While local taxis have lower fares, long-distance taxis only run when they are full, so they are usually more expensive.
The Malaysian government has recently introduced stricter regulations for ride-hailing services. The government wants to level the playing field for traditional taxi services and ensure the safety and professionalism of the drivers. Drivers who use GrabTaxi will be required to obtain a public-service vehicle license. This is to ensure that drivers are trustworthy and do not have criminal records.
Ferries
Malaysia has always been an island nation and ferries are a popular means of transport between the islands. The Penang ferry system was originally composed of three large steamers and seven launches. They served the towns of Butterworth and Kuala Lumpur, with cars and motorbikes traveling on a floating deck. The steam ferry vessels were introduced in the 1920s, though the services were disrupted during the Japanese occupation of Malaya.
In 1959, the ferry between George Town and Butterworth opened, and today there are two operating terminals – Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda in George Town and Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim in Butterworth. During the 1970s, the ferry was painted yellow. In the present, the ferry is operated every 20 minutes.
