Developers urged to reduce parking requirements for housing near public transport hubs

TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke has recommended that housing developers consider reducing the number of parking spaces in new residential projects built near public transport stations, citing potential cost savings for residents and the long-term promotion of public transit usage.

Speaking at a press conference after officiating the new Multiplex Land Sdn Bhd office and the pre-launch of Residensi Alamanda Heights in Serdang, Loke said the proposal had been submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.

He explained that the current minimum requirement of one or two parking spaces per unit contributes to rising property prices.

"If a project is located near public transport stations, such as LRT or MRT, perhaps the parking requirement can be reduced to encourage residents to use public transport," he said.

Loke highlighted that several transit-oriented development (TOD) projects in Kuala Lumpur have already been permitted to seek parking requirement exemptions from local authorities.

However, he emphasised that the proposal is intended specifically for new projects and is targeted at younger residents living close to urban rail networks.

"If you live near a public transport station, the need to own a car may be lower, which can save them living costs," he added. Loke also noted that the move could help promote a longer-term shift towards lifestyles more dependent on public transportation.

The suggestion comes amid growing efforts to integrate urban housing with public transit in Malaysia, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce household expenses, and foster more sustainable city living. - December 7, 2025