Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 : Introduction

The preparation of the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 is undertaken in the conviction that most of the policies of the 1984 Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan (KLSP 1984) need to be revised due to unprecedented economic boom and rapid changes in the last 20 years. Some of the major developments that have taken place were not anticipated in the structure plan. Development such as the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang and the transfer of federal government administrative functions to Putrajaya are anticipated to stimulate and influence future changes and growth. With globalisation gathering pace, Kuala Lumpur will encounter more challenges within a new international development era. The nation’s capital should be made ready for a competitive international role in the world of the 21st Century. In the light of hanges in the last twenty years and anticipated changes in the near future for a holistic development and good governance, it is timely to prepare a new structure plan for Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 : Introduction

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Malaysia waiting for monsoon rains to see how a new combined road and flood relief tunnel performs

As well as acute flooding, Kuala Lumpur suffers from chronic traffic congestion. The government had been looking for a way to increase road capacity and was keen to reduce its outlay on what promised to be an expensive piece of new flood relief infrastructure. So it engaged in an optioneering exercise in which the construction industry was invited by the government to suggest how the flood relief tunnel should be designed and built.

Malaysia waiting for monsoon rains to see how a new combined road and flood relief tunnel performs

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New small jets

There are high demands now for small jet aircrafts in the civil aviation world market. Honda is gearing itself to enter this market place of the niche aerospace sector. It has a model of a small jet aircraft and a small gas turbine engine (2000+ lbs) it developed with General Electrics.

This is indeed a new development. Keep watching...






Others are fast catching. Some using the same engine/power plant

Walking, that's what we do!

Walking is one basic form of transportation that all of us do everyday. However over the years we rely too much on machines that we have ignored the important truth about walking. Perhaps the video above would remind us about walking.

Controlled Chaos: European Cities Do Away with Traffic Signs

I came across this article while browsing the internet. This new concept may be unthinkable in many countries. But EU is testing this concept in a controlled environment in 7 cities. I will be interesting to see the outcome. Perhaps traffic palnners in Kuala Lumpur may one day try out this idea...

European Cities Do Away with Traffic Signs

Controlled Chaos: European Cities Do Away with Traffic Signs - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

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AVCEN Jetpod

AVCEN JetpodFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Jetpod is a design proposal for a very quiet aircraft that can take off and land in short distances (STOL), developed by Avcen Limited, a company formed in 1998 to promote development of the Jetpod. A number of applications have been proposed, including as a military transport, an executive transport, and as a short to medium-range air taxi.According to Avcen's publicity materials, the Jetpod's maximum speed is 550 km/h (350 mph, 300 knots). It would needs only 125 meters (135 yards) to take-off or land, allowing runways to be constructed close to the center of major cities, and would be sufficiently quiet to not be noticeable above city traffic. The trip from Heathrow Airport to central London would take about 4 minutes and cost about $100.

AVCEN Jetpod - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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How a Road Gets Built Fact Sheet

The following outlines major elements of the road building process, some of which occur concurrently. All are reflected in Virginia's Six-Year Program, which is updated annually and includes projects in "development" or "construction." For the former, construction funding is currently unavailable. A project typically enters the "construction" phase when right-of-way acquisition begins and an advertised date has been set for work to begin, and when actual construction will begin within six years. Public comment is solicited and welcome at many points throughout the process.

How a Road Gets Built Fact Sheet

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UNDP in Malaysia : Sarawak Inland Waterway Transport (SIWT) System Study (Nov 2006 – June 2008)

MYFF strategic goal: Achieving the MDGs and reducing human povertyService line 1.4: Globalisation benefiting the poor this is a collaborative project between UNDP, the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), the Sarawak State’s Economic Planning Unit and the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB), the implementing partner in this project.The aim of this project is to prepare a Master Plan, for the development of the Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) System of Sarawak. The Master Plan will cover the period to 2020 and will also incorporate a 5 year Action Plan. The project will define the future role of the IWT System. The objective of the Master Plan is to provide a financially viable and environmentally sustainable programme of improvements that will be designed to achieve an efficient, cost effective, secure and safe IWT System for Sarawak.

UNDP in Malaysia : Sarawak Inland Waterway Transport (SIWT) System Study (Nov 2006 – June 2008)

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Bubbles and Beams

The video from You Tube shows the development concept of the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT). Like a taxi but using fixed railways. This technology will be an ideal solution for many urban areas. However the complexity and the cost to develop and install this system and infrastructure means that developing and under develop countries wont have this for a long time may be never at all. There are skeptics who thinks that this concept is just a PR exercise.

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CityMobil - Towards advanced road transport for the urban environment

This is one interesting project funded by the EU to utilized modern technology in resolving urban transport problems. Perhaps Kuala Lumpur transport planners should benchmark this project.

CityMobil - Towards advanced road transport for the urban environment

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KTMB Rail services

Rail services is one important mode of transport in Malaysia. KTMB is the main company operating the services.




The KTM Komuter is a fast and efficient public transport catering especially to commuters in Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding suburban areas. It is a popular mode of transportation for commuters working in Kuala Lumpur, as they can travel to the city without the hassle of traffic congestion.

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad

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CILT Achiever of The year Award 2007

CILT Achiever of The Year 2007Port Klang, 5th November 2007 – Revolutionary achievements, outstanding performance and accelerated industry growth have cemented Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam as the leading and prominent Logistics personality in the country. Having grown Westports from strength to strength, he has now been bestowed with yet another prestigious accolade, the CILT Achiever Of The Year 2007 award.

:: Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd - Welcome To The Most Efficient e-Terminal ::

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Best Low-Cost Airline Asia title

Air Asia were the winners of the Best Low-Cost Airline Asia title, ahead of Tiger Airways and long-haul entrant, Oasis Hong Kong Airlines. Commenting on the winning title, Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia, said "It gives me great pride to receive this accolade. We are expanding our market, and to be known as one of the best in the Asian region is an astounding success story for a 5 year old company. Credit goes to all our staff. "

Jetstar Airways wins Best Low-Cost Airline Award for 2007

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The worlds best low-cost airline survey

The best low cost airline in the world is Jetstar from Australia. And the best in asia is Malaysia's Air Asia.

The Worlds Best Low-Cost Airline Survey is commissioned and conducted by Skytrax Research of London.
No outside sponsorship or external influence is applied to any aspect of the Survey.



More than 90 different nationalities of passenger took part in this major, global survey which was
operated between August 2006 and July 2007.



A total of 5,053,215 eligible survey interviews were completed for this worldwide 2006/7 survey of
low-cost airlines.




The Worlds Best Low-Cost Airline Survey data was gathered using a range of input sources:



::  Online Customer Survey

::  Business Research Group Interviews

::  Customer Telephone Interviews

::  Selected Passenger Interviews

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CILT Malaysia Convo 2007

Yesterday, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia had their convocation for their professional programs. It was a auspicious event at the KL Convention Center. The event was graced by the CILT International president. Also present were two special guests from the CILT China.

Quite a number of my students graduated. Their families were also there to give them the support and share the joy of their success and the rewarding moments for all their hard work.

Education makes the difference. I 'm proud of their achievements. I hope they will continue in the their quest for success through life long education.

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Road Safety in Malaysia

The number of accidents in Malaysia during festive holidays are alarming. The following report by MALAYSIAN INSTITUTE OF ROAD SAFETY RESEARCH is worth reading.

Below is the excerpt of the report...

The traffic scenario in Malaysia becomes extremely congested during festive seasons, namely Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year (CNY), Christmas and Deepavali. Normally, city dwellers take advantage of the long holidays to visit their hometowns, a tradition fondly referred to as “balik kampung”. As a consequence, the “balik kampung” tradition generates an inevitably high volume of traffic on all highways and major roads nationwide. Usually, the number of deaths per day exceeds the annual daily average during these festive seasons. In 1996, when no integrated intervention strategies were instituted, a total of 321 deaths was recorded during the fifteen days of the festive season which brought about twenty-one deaths a day (Radin, 1998). This alarming casualty rate prompted the Government to initiate an integrated road safety program that included exposure control, crash prevention, injury control and post injury control interventions.

To read more please download the complete article in pdf here...
http://www.miros.gov.my/publications.php

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National Physical Plan Malaysia :: FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING MALAYSIA

This information is important to all transport students. I would like to encourage all to visit this web page. To me this is a good move by the Malaysian Government and this will have positive effect on the land transportation in the future. The following para was extracted from their introduction page.

National Physical Plan (NPP) is a long term strategic plan for the period until 2020, that contains written statement formulating strategic policies for the purpose of determining the general directions and trends of the physical development and conservation of Peninsular Malaysia, accompanied by indicative plans. NPP has been prepared under the provision of Section 6B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172).

National Physical Plan Malaysia :: FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING MALAYSIA

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Germany’s National Cycling Plan

Germany's National Cycling Plan Germany's national cycling strategy 2002-2012 aims to promote cycling in Germany as part of a sustainable, integrated transport policy. In 2002, the German National Cycling Plan (Nationaler Radverkehrsplan) was adopted by the government.Its aim is to increase bicycle use and road safety considerably by 2012 and to promote healthy and environmentally friendly local mobility in accordance with the concept of the “city of short distances”.The National Cycling Plan is available in English, French, Russian and Spanish. Full text download:

Germany’s National Cycling Plan - Fahrradportal > Aktuell > Neuigkeiten - Fahrradportal Nationaler Radverkehrsplan

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Cycling England : Demonstration Towns

Six towns in England are sharing nearly £17 million to promote cycling.The Cycling Demonstration Towns are leading the way in encouraging local people to use pedal power. The funds are being used to make the environment more cyclist friendly, to offer safety training and to encourage take up through extensive promotion.Through the Cycling Demonstration Towns project, Cycling England is funding and working with six local highway authorities to develop an exemplary physical environment for cycling, supported by a comprehensive range of 'soft' measures to encourage more people to cycle. Its purpose is to deliver a step-change in cycling levels, in towns which start from a low or moderate cycling mode share.

Cycling England : Demonstration Towns

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Urban Cycling

Cycling should be encourage in urban areas. It will help reduce traffic congestions and air pollutions. The cyclist will definitely improve his/her general health as it is a good form of exercise.

Local authority should take the lead in this matter. The photo above is a special cycling lane that I took while visiting my son in London this summer.

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Open Sky AFTA 2009

According to sources in the aviation industry, the ASEAN region will adopt an open sky policy by the year 2009. What are the impacts to the industry and the public as a consequence of this policy?





My guess !!!

• Price war between airlines. We the consumers will gain on the short term basis
• The stronger and cash rich airlines  will eventually dominate the market
• Perhaps the smaller airlines will gang together to form a bigger company
• The region will see more people travelling, opening grater opportunities

However I am sure with the region opening up, the net economic growth will be positive. Dont forget ASEAN is 520 million population...bigger than USA.

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Bicycle Lane

The photo of a special cyclist lane was taken in London last month. The bicycle lanes may be common in many European cities but are considered rare in South East Asia. Kuala Lumpur the city I am residing do not have this. Bicycle is cheap and pollution free, as such it is common sense to encourage many people to cycle in cities. Perhaps the climate is one major distracting factor. But then why not give it a try.

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Pedestrianization in Munich....

Floods and Logistics

The recent floods in the Southern part of Peninsular Malaysia raise few points with regards to logistics and transportation.

1. Movement of goods for relief purposes is very important. Its about life and death.
2. Cheap, fast and safe movement of supplies to flood victims is the main factor to be considered.
3. Quick evacuation of the children, elderly and disabled is top priority.

As such transportation planning and coordination in such circumstances is very critical. Do we have enough professional to execute the mission?