‘TODS CAN LIBERALISE MARKET’
Coworking spaces also have potential to save over 7,000 hours of commute time, says Loke
THE Light Rail Transit Line 3 (LRT3) is expected to be up as early as March next year. The LRT3 project, from Bandar Utama to Johan Setia in Klang, is expected to benefit around two million residents and cost about RM16 billion.
At the launch of WORQ’s latest coworking space in Sunway Putra Mall yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the transitoriented development (TOD) approach could liberalise the real estate market and allow people to easily commute between offices and locations.
He said coworking spaces on average had the potential to save more than 7,000 hours of commute time and that this shift towards flexibility decreased carbon emissions.
“WORQ’s collaboration with Sunway Group and Prasarana Malaysia Bhd exemplifies Malaysia’s shift towards a transitoriented community by connecting workspaces with transit lines.
“This strategic initiative not only makes commuting more efficient but also contributes significantly to the country’s sustainability goals by reducing car dependency and improving employee wellbeing.”
WORQ chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder Stephanie Ping said the company would be launching outlets outside of the train lines as well.
Prasarana president and group CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said WORQ’s efforts aligned perfectly with its commitment to make public transport the preferred mode of travel in the Klang Valley.
Meanwhile, on extending the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, he said it was still being studied.
While discussions had leaned towards the proposal to create a more strategic route, particularly with neighbouring Thailand, no decision has been made yet, he added.
“What’s important is not just that the ECRL serves our country, but if it can be extended to the Thai border... this would make the ECRL even more impactful.”