ITS in Malaysia
From early deployments in the 1990s to a comprehensive national architecture — the evolution of intelligent transport systems across Malaysia.
Background
As a result of economic development, urbanisation, and in particular the growing trend for "just-in-time" delivery of goods within the manufacturing industries, Malaysia has experienced a phenomenal increase in transportation demand leading to significant traffic congestion on the national highway system.
With the realisation that significant expansion of existing highway infrastructure would be socially unacceptable and unsustainable, Governments in many countries — particularly the USA, Europe and Japan — have devoted significant resources to the application of modern computer and electronic technology in transport. Malaysia followed suit by embarking on extensive programs for the research, development and implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
Definition
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is defined as the application of advanced and emerging technologies — computers, sensors, control, communications, and electronic devices — in transportation to save lives, time, money, energy and the environment. It represents the integration of information and communications technology with transport infrastructure, vehicles and users.
ITS has proven to be an innovative means of alleviating, or at least lessening, transport problems for both passengers and goods. Since the benefits of ITS are primarily to the community, much of the ITS deployment in most countries has been initiated by Government agencies.
Early ITS Deployments in Malaysia
ITS applications were introduced in Malaysia since the mid-1990s through a number of pioneering projects.
Electronic Payment Systems
In line with the Government's e-commerce policy, electronic transactions in the transportation sector on tolled highways and public transport have progressed well. Smart cards used for highway toll collection are also accepted on bus services, parking facilities, and light-rail transit within the Klang Valley.
Traffic Management Systems
Urban traffic control using computerised traffic light systems capable of adjusting signal timing in response to traffic volumes and congestion has been implemented by various municipalities across Malaysia.
Traveller Information Systems (ITIS)
Kuala Lumpur City Hall launched its landmark Integrated Transport Information System (ITIS) — providing Advanced Traffic Management and variable message signs (VMS) strategically installed across the city to disseminate real-time traffic information.
Traffic Control & Surveillance (TCSS)
All highway concessionaires are obliged to implement TCSS, involving traffic surveillance and information dissemination. The main feature integrates expressway Automated Incident Detection (AID) systems with VMS boards.
Commercial Vehicle Monitoring Systems
Various fleets of commercial vehicles — including fuel tankers and container prime-movers — are tracked door-to-door using ITS technologies. These early systems were installed in an ad hoc manner with limited coordination, leading to problems in interoperability and compatibility. This experience underscored the need for a unified national ITS architecture.
The ITS Strategic Plan
Malaysia's journey from pilot projects to a comprehensive national ITS framework.
ITS Strategic Plan for Malaysia: A Way Forward
The pilot project, formulated with the assistance of the Road Engineering Association of Malaysia (REAM), outlined broad principles for developing a framework for ITS deployment in Malaysia.
Cabinet Endorsement
The Cabinet endorsed the "ITS Strategic Plan for Malaysia" and the Ministry of Works was directed to spearhead its implementation. An ITS Council led by the Honorable Minister of Works was established to plan and coordinate ITS deployment.
ITS Master Plan Study
The study identified institutional needs, detailed the sectors, user-services and sub-services required, and developed a comprehensive "roadmap" setting the direction for ITS deployment. It recommended the immediate development of the ITS System Architecture for Malaysia.
ITS System Architecture Completed
The Study on the ITS System Architecture for Malaysia was completed, providing a unified framework for integration to guide coordinated deployment within both public and private sectors. Nine ITS sectors and thirty-six user-services were identified.
Explore the ArchitectureMalaysia ITS Bureau (MIB)
To ensure that overall ITS deployment in Malaysia is not fragmented, the Federal Government provides leadership through the Malaysia ITS Bureau.
MIB Responsibilities
Coordinate all ITS activities in the country
Act as a national forum for resolving differences in standards and approaches
Develop and implement the National ITS Policy
Set standards for interoperability across all systems
Coordinate training and outreach programs
Implement the national maintenance program
The Way Forward
The ITS Master Plan for Malaysia has been created with inputs from previous studies and needs assessments that reflect current policies, master plans and stakeholder needs in the country.
It is a valuable tool for future planning and operation of integrated ITS deployments throughout the nation. Lead and supporting agencies use this framework in the planning, design and implementation of individual ITS projects — aligned with stakeholder vision and goals, and in conformance with the ITS Architecture for Malaysia.
Continuous Evolution
The Highway Planning Unit's goal is to review and update information on ITS Malaysia on a regular basis to ensure it is kept current with the country's ever-changing transportation needs.
Key Milestones
9
ITS Sectors Identified
36
User Services Defined
2002
Cabinet Endorsed
2008
ITSM Established
Learn More About ITS Architecture
Explore the unified framework that guides coordinated ITS deployment across Malaysia.