What Others Say About Physical Connectivity
By Samniang Saenram
Malaysia ’ s sound infrastructure in land , air and sea transportation has greatly assisted the nation in attracting Foreign Direct Investment to support its impressive industrial growth as well as the service sectors , especially the tourism industry . However , the global concerns on physical connectivity goes beyond the built environment to include safety , environmental sustainability and financing .
The recent launch of the Malaysia Road Safety Plan ( MRSP ) 2022-2030 with ten focus areas is an encouraging move to reduce road accidents and fatalities on Malaysian roads .
In the aviation sphere , Malaysia was re-elected as a council member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation ( ICAO ) in October 2022 , serving its sixth consecutive term since 2007 . This marks a significant recognition of Malaysia ’ s role in the global aviation industry . The Malaysian Minister of Transport mentioned that Malaysia would be steadfast in its commitment to ICAO , to uphold numerous aspects of civil aviation safety , innovation and sustainability . This is good news for the Malaysian aeronautical industry , which has the extensive involvement of the local engineering fraternity .
Challenges and Solutions on the Transport Sector ( World Bank )
Transport is a crucial driver of economic growth , poverty reduction and fulfilment of the Millennium Development Goals ( MDGs ). The World Bank transport sector investments have facilitated a more efficient trade and enhanced human development through greater mobility — all with due attention to climate change . In addition , the
World Bank ’ s involvement in rail , air , maritime and urban transport is steadily increasing , in response to evolving global needs . Since 2002 , Banksupported projects constructed or rehabilitated totalled more than 260,000 km of roads .
Challenges Transport infrastructure and services still need to be made safer , cleaner and more affordable , particularly in developing countries . The provision of transportation needs to respond to : 1 ) increasing urbanisation and motorisation with solutions for urban mobility ; 2 ) rural poverty with more efficient and long-lasting accessibility solutions ; and 3 ) the need to make lower- and middle-income countries more competitive in the global market . The transport sector must be more responsive to create long-term skilled employment , reduce the cost element of attaining food security , and address mitigation and adaption to climate change .
Improvements in transport have the greatest impact on poor people when it is part of a crosssectoral development agenda . Efficiencies are also gained through a multi-modal approach , such as improving passenger and freight mobility . However , enhancing transport infrastructure and services is not enough . The smooth functioning of institutions and practitioners ’ access to good knowledge are also crucial to effective transport solutions .
Solutions The transport sector plays a significant role in economic growth at the sub-national , national , regional and global levels , and both the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ( IBRD ) and the International Development Association ( IDA ) are facilitating
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