IT is time the government seriously considers splitting the over-burdened Transport Ministry to streamlines its functions, activities and jurisdiction in an ever-widening range of transport governance.
One needs to sympathise with Transport Minister Anthony Loke who, despite being a diligent and competent minister, is being faulted for a large number of issues especially concerning safety, accidents and breakdowns.
The Transport Ministry has grown too big and has become unwieldy to manage efficiently and effectively. It is a ministry whose activities affect millions of people daily.
As such criticisms have snowballed over the years in line with the increase in the number of vehicles and services rendered by the Ministry.
Very much like the Communications and Education Ministries being split to two separate ministries previously, the Transport Ministry too has to undergo a similar break-up to streamline its effectiveness.
Furthermore, the Transport Ministry has a coordinating relationship with other federal ministries such as the Works Ministry and the Housing and Local Government Ministry over various infrastructure matters. The Transport Ministry also has to deal with the private sector over various matters.
Alternatively, another deputy minister needs to be added and have certain duties and responsibilities assigned to him.
There is hardly any news about the deputy transport minister. There is also a need for a specialist team comprising ministry officials to help the minister.
Presently, the Transport Ministry is facing a lot criticisms and negativity unlike previously when complaints were less when the ministry was mostly helmed by leaders from MCA.
The ever-widening scope of the Transport Ministry in recent times that has grown too large to be managed efficiently is to blame, not the minister.
The Transport Ministry is an important one as, apart from the wide range of activities, it is also responsible for the safety of millions of commuters and people who use the various forms of transport for work and other needs.
As such public confidence in the ministry is all-important. Of late a spate of serious accidents has undermined the Transport Ministry and many people have criticised it for its poor enforcement.
It is therefore hoped that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Cabinet will look into ways and means to ensure that the Transport Ministry meets with the expectations of the people and serves the needs of the fast-growing transport industry which is a vital component of the economy and progress of the country. ‒ July 7, 2025
V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: Bernama
