Small Traders Must Be Prioritised in Railway Station Development, Especially in Rural Areas: PM

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 11: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized that small traders, micro-entrepreneurs, and local communities must be given priority in all phases of development involving railway station networks, especially in smaller and rural areas.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said new railway stations should not be treated merely as transportation infrastructure but as emerging economic hubs capable of attracting additional investments while directly benefiting surrounding communities.

“We want to ensure that food stalls, kiosks, and small business spaces are upgraded, alongside housing, job opportunities, and other community benefits that must be expanded around these stations,” he said.

“This is the difference in the MADANI Economy approach: development must be elevated to a proud standard while also requiring compassion, targeted intervention, or the government’s ‘hidden hand,’ working together with the private sector, including major companies.”

He said this during the Launch and Operationalization Ceremony of the Gemas–Johor Bahru Electrified Double-Tracking (EDTP) project, officiated by Acting Johor Ruler Tunku Mahkota Ismail at the new Kempas Baru Station today. Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Anwar noted that Johor, which is currently recording strong economic performance with investments nearing RM100 billion, must ensure that even smaller stations across the network contribute to raising local incomes and supporting broader development.

“Johor is already an economic powerhouse, but our economic model must translate to higher income for the people and more inclusive growth,” he said.

Speaking on the EDTP project, Anwar expressed pride in its completion, describing it as a model for national infrastructure development. The 192 km project includes 11 new stations designed with Johor’s identity and heritage in mind, covering the key districts of Segamat, Kluang, Kulai, and Johor Bahru, with the final stop at JB Sentral.

The Prime Minister added that the Federal Government is now practicing a more inclusive approach by incorporating input from state governments into major development planning, including the National Budget and Malaysia Plans.

He said the government prioritizes a consultative process, with federal leaders travelling to states to listen to views, proposals, and concerns before finalizing any national policy.