KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 ― Prasarana Malaysia Bhd is expected to generate RM17 billion in economic returns this year from RM13.3 billion last year, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

The Prime Minister said the amount would increase further by 2030 when the number of people using public transport rose to 40 per cent compared with 21 per cent so far.

"It is important to realise that the task shouldered by each one of you is very critical to the nation.

"When you start work every morning, remind yourself that this is not just a job, but a devotion to the nation," he said when addressing Prasarana employees at an event, "An Evening with the Prime Minister", here today.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said Malaysia has made history with the implementation of various public transportation projects in a planned and orderly manner.

Recounting the marked improvement in the country's public transportation landscape, Najib said it began with the establishment of the Land Public Transport Commission as the main body to regulate public transportation, followed by projects such linking the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines, which would be completed in July.

In addition, there are also a number of other projects such as the LRT 3, the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail, and the East Coast Rail Line which would be implemented soon.

"I have chosen a suitable date to launch the second phase of the MRT (the Kajang-Sungai Buloh line) on July 17.

"The date will enter in the annals of the country's history as it marks the future of modern transportation in Malaysia," he said.

The second phase of the MRT project has been implemented on schedule and within budget.

“At the same time, we also want to have more efficient, reliable and sustainable bus services to facilitate travel across the country and districts,” he said.

The Prime Minister hoped that the transport system would be close to people’s hearts, without defects in the system that could cause a breakdown in the services.

“We must set a very high benchmark with zero defect ...  and for us to achieve zero defect we must instill a high-performance culture.

“You must take pride in your work, because when you take pride in your work, you will deliver quality, efficiency and precision,” he said.

Najib said Malaysia aspired to produce a quality, efficient and determined workforce who were committed not to do mistakes.

About 2,600 employees of Prasarana and its subsidiaries attended the special programme to share views on various initiatives to improve public transportation.

Prasarana Chairman Tan Sri Ismail Adam and President/ Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Azmi Abdul Aziz were present. ― Bernama