Evaluating Transit-Oriented Development in Malaysia: A Comprehensive Analysis of Benefits, Drawbacks and Implementation Challenges

This critical review explores the implementation of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Malaysia, highlighting its benefits, drawbacks, and implementation challenges. As urbanization in Malaysia accelerates, the need for sustainable urban planning becomes increasingly urgent, particularly in addressing issues such as pollution, traffic congestion, and inadequate public facilities. TOD, which promotes dense, mixed-use developments centred around public transit options, offers promising solutions by enhancing accessibility, reducing reliance on personal vehicles, and fostering healthier community interactions. The review outlines the favourable impacts of TOD on the quality of life, economic opportunities, and improved public amenities, citing successful examples such as Kuala Lumpur Sentral and Bandar Sunway. However, it also identifies significant challenges including land availability, zoning regulations, funding constraints, and low community engagement, which hinder effective TOD implementation. Recommendations are offered to overcome these obstacles, including policy reforms and enhanced public-private partnerships. Ultimately, this review emphasizes the potential of TOD as a transformative framework for sustainable urban development in Malaysia, calling for collaborative efforts among policymakers, researchers, and communities to realize its full benefits.