I was in Penang recently. Conducting a class on transportation planning for CILT students. We discussed few issues pertaining transportation in relation to the Malaysian Economy. It was quite fortunate that we have with us a copy of the newspaper pull-out section on the economic report presented by the Prime Minister in his 2007 budget presentation in parliament recently.

After a lengthy discussions the class came to the following conclusions:

• The economy will continue to grow at about 6% per annum for a foreseeable future.
• The manufacturing sector is also poised to grow, even though at a slightly lower rate.
• The agriculture sector will be the focus of the government.
• However we noticed that the service sector failed to produce the expected growth.
• Malaysia exported more that what it consumed. Therefore the balance of trade is in her favor.

The impact of the above to transportation will be as follows:

• People will enjoy a favorable economy. Their disposable income will increase. As such we can expect that more people will be able to own cars. Perhaps more than one car per household. This will translate into more traffic congestion. More stresses and higher medical bills.
• Since the manufacturing sector continues to record a substantial growth, we should expect the migration of people from rural to urban areas will increased as compared to previous years. More urban population. More sprawling of townships. Making travel much more difficult. Thus increasing the cost of travel.
• The increase in exports and imports of goods will create generate growth of traffic at ports and airports. If the feeder services from factories and warehouses are not improved than the congestion at ports will continue to increase.

To enhanced the transportation due to the favorable economic outlook, the following were suggested:

• Enhanced the availability of public transportation. Targetting more that 50% of the population to be using public transport in their daily activities. Compared with just 18% today.
• Increase the roles of rail systems in the movement of goods in and out of ports and airports.
• Proper urban planning to avoid sprawling. And ensure the urban areas are public transport friendly.
• ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES MUST BE GIVEN SERIOUS CONSIDERATION.

We all must strive to make Malaysia a new model of an industrialized country. Where cultural values, modernization and ecosystem are in balanced