Yuslizar, a former head of the rail division at the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), said authorities must first establish detailed projections on existing freight volumes and long-term growth trends before implementing policies aimed at increasing rail cargo usage.
“We need a clear understanding of the current tonnage being transported and projected freight growth over the next 30 years for both road and rail,” he said. “This forms the foundation for developing a realistic strategy to shift cargo from road to rail.”
He stressed that even a modest shift in freight volumes could place significant pressure on the existing rail network. According to Yuslizar, diverting just 2% of road freight to rail could raise demand on the railway system by as much as 25%, underscoring the need for careful capacity planning.
Yuslizar, who has also worked in the United Kingdom prior to his role at SPAD — now succeeded by the Land Public Transport Agency — said the complexities of freight transition require more than broad policy statements.
Malaysia’s main rail operator, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), is already facing capacity pressures with increasing services such as the ETS and Komuter lines, which are typically prioritised over freight operations.
Under current conditions, shifting just 4% of road cargo to rail could significantly strain the network, which is shared with other services including special charter trains and intercity routes between Gemas and Tumpat.
Yuslizar noted that after accounting for operational requirements and contingency reserves, the KTMB network would be left with only a 30–40% capacity margin.
“To ensure smooth operations, rail planners must incorporate robust assessments based on current and future data, as well as established operational standards,” he said.
He added that maintaining spare network capacity is essential to absorb operational disruptions and ensure system reliability during peak demand or unforeseen events.
“Planning for growth must be grounded in detailed analysis rather than broad assumptions or simplistic projections,” Yuslizar said, emphasising that a data-driven approach is essential to ensure a successful and sustainable road-to-rail freight transition.
