Towards Smart Cities Development: A Study of Public Transport System and Traffic-related Air Pollutants in Malaysia

Increasing number of privately owned vehicles are depicting Malaysians preferred mode of mobility and lack of interest in the public transport system. In most developing countries such as Malaysia, motorized vehicles are the major contributors to air pollution in urban zones. Air pollution is a silent killer as it infiltrates the vital organs, leading to serious diseases and death. This research critically analyses the emissions of air pollutants such as CO, NO2, SO2, hydrocarbon, and PM from various sources in Malaysia with emphasis mainly on the emission of pollutants from motor vehicles. This research also discusses the public transport initiatives undertaken by the government of Malaysia such as enhancing the bus and rail system, transforming Malaysia's taxi system, managing travel demand and enhancing the integration of urban public transport system. Furthermore, considering the smart cities initiatives, this research identified that weather, safety, security and inappropriate infrastructure are major barriers in Malaysia's move towards the implementation of smart and eco-friendly mobility practices such as cycling, carpooling and car sharing.