As part of an employer project with Sunview, we, — the students of INTI — set out to explore the state of eco-friendly transportation in Malaysia. Through a series of street interviews, we gathered public opinions on sustainable commuting options, uncovering a mix of enthusiasm, challenges and opportunities for improvement. Here’s what we learned.
The Rise of Eco-Friendly Transportation in Malaysia
Malaysia has made strides in promoting sustainable commuting options, with public transport systems like the LRT (Light Rail Transit) and MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) leading the charge. These systems are not only efficient but also environmentally-friendly, reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
During our interviews, we spoke to Malaysians from various age groups, gender and backgrounds to understand their perspectives on eco-friendly transportation. The responses were diverse, but one thing was clear: sustainability is becoming a priority for many.
Public Opinions: Benefits and Preferences of Public Transportation
Our interviews revealed that:
- 29% of respondents believe the main benefit of eco-friendly transportation is reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution, leading to better air quality and health.
- Another 24%see it as essential for environmental sustainability,
- while 14% value it for lowering fossil fuel consumption.
- Cost-effectiveness and convenience were highlighted by 9%,
- while 4.8% mentioned that it helps avoid traffic congestion and contributes to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives.
When it comes to usage:
- 40% of respondents rely on public transportation daily, citing affordability, convenience, and reduced stress.
- 27% use it a few times a week.
- 20% use it occasionally.
- 13% rarely use public transport.
Evidently, not everyone is on board. Some prefer the flexibility and comfort of driving their own vehicles, even if it means contributing to traffic and pollution. For them, the convenience of personal transport outweighs the benefits of public options — but could that change with better incentives and infrastructure?
Electric Vehicles: A Growing Trend
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction, with 67% of respondents recognising Malaysia’s eco-friendly transportation options, including EVs, MRTs, and LRTs. However, 33% believe that more needs to be done, such as expanding EV infrastructure and increasing charging stations.
EV adoption remains a challenge due to high costs and limited accessibility, making the dream of an EV lifestyle feel just out of reach for many. While environmentally conscious individuals are interested, affordability and infrastructure remain key barriers. Without widespread charging stations and competitive pricing, the shift to EVs may remain a privilege rather than a mainstream movement.
Challenges and the Role of Government
One of the key takeaways from our interviews was: we need stronger government initiatives.
- 40% of respondents believe Malaysians are practicing eco-friendly habits,
- 40% feel that adoption is inconsistent, and
- 20% think environment awareness is still lacking.
These insights suggest that more awareness is needed, not just about the importance of renewable energy, but also about the policies and schemes available to support the transition. Many Malaysians may not be fully aware of game-changing government incentives such as the Net Energy Metering (NEM) (then), SELCO (existing), Solar ATAP (future) or green technology incentives that could make switching to solar more affordable.
More Awareness = More Action
Imagine if more people knew just how accessible it could be! We can already picture it— Malaysians unlocking huge savings, slashing their carbon footprint, and future-proofing their homes! Strengthening education and outreach efforts could help bridge this gap, encouraging more individuals to embrace sustainable energy solutions.
Make Your Lifestyle Sustainable Beyond the Commute
Sustainability doesn’t stop at how you travel — it starts at home. So, why not implement reliable energy resources for your home? When you adopt a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for your home with solutions like SunVast, you can:
- Enjoy up to 90% off your electricity bill,
- Gain 100% ownership of your solar PV system,
- Lower your carbon footprint
Interested in adopting solar energy? Connect with us today to gain solar savings for your home!
The Future of Energy is in Your Commuting Choices.
Our street interviews revealed a growing interest in eco-friendly transportation among Malaysians. With the convenience of the LRT and MRT and the rise of electric vehicles, sustainable commuting options are becoming more popular.
But awareness alone isn’t enough. To accelerate this shift, collaboration is key — continued infrastructure development, public awareness and individual adoption all play a role in making green transportation a practical choice for the future.
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Editor’s note: The article was co-contributed by the students of INTI and is part of an Employer Project between Sunview & INTI International College Subang. The contents have been edited to align with the professional editorial standards of Sunview. The views and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Sunview.
Co-contributed by Students of INTI:
● Sydney Ooi Jia Hee
● Tan Yung Sin
● Teoh Yan Nie
● Ng Veng Mey
● Liang Kin Yan
Lecturer: En. Faizul Azhar, Lecturer
Pre-University, INTI International College Subang
Edited by: Sunview’s editorial team
For more information on adopting sustainability with solar solutions, visit Sunview’s website here today.
