If it feels like Malaysia is in a long-term relationship with traffic jams, here’s the hard truth: we’ve officially entered the era where there are more cars than people. Yes, really. The latest count reveals 38.7 million registered vehicles roaming our streets—outnumbering Malaysia’s 34.1 million people. That’s not just one car per person. That’s one car for every man, woman, child, and possibly several pets and houseplants. It's the kind of statistic that makes you laugh at first, then glance nervously at your Waze ETA.
This jaw-dropping revelation didn’t come from some fringe blog or an April Fools’ joke. It came directly from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, via his very official Facebook post. After meeting with Prasarana Malaysia Berhad’s president, Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, Zahid dropped the kind of statistic that forces you to reconsider whether it’s the country that’s moving forward—or just the vehicles. In that statement, he not only confirmed the car count but also hinted at something deeper: that our obsession with four wheels may be doing more harm than good.
While the car numbers are soaring, the usage of public transport in Malaysia remains shockingly low—just 25%. That’s barely a quarter of the population opting for buses, trains, or the MRT. By contrast, our neighbours in Singapore boast a 67% public transport usage rate, while Tokyo hits 73%, and Seoul clocks in at 63%. In other words, while their citizens are breezing through city life in clean, efficient train systems, we’re sitting bumper-to-bumper in a sea of brake lights and radio static.
This isn’t just a lifestyle choice—it’s a nationwide pattern that has major consequences. Zahid rightly pointed out that the massive number of vehicles on the road isn’t just a cute statistic for car lovers. It’s straining our road infrastructure, increasing accident risks, and dragging down overall quality of life. What should be a drive to the nearest kedai runcit becomes a slow crawl worthy of an entire Spotify playlist. Meanwhile, precious hours are lost, tempers flare, and fuel burns—not just in engines but in the atmosphere.
So why do Malaysians keep choosing to drive? Well, for starters, the public transport system still struggles with reliability, reach, and perception. For many, it's not about loving their car—it’s about not trusting the alternative. Zahid emphasized that changing this mindset requires more than slogans or billboards. It demands a complete transformation of public transport, both in infrastructure and in public trust. We need MRTs that run on time, buses that show up without drama, and systems that don’t make you feel like you’re auditioning for Amazing Race: Malaysia Edition just to get to work.
“This transformation requires a shift in attitude that can only be achieved through a combination of a reliable public transport system and a comprehensive awareness campaign,” Zahid said, sounding both hopeful and mildly exhausted. And really, who can blame him?
Cars, Cars Everywhere — But No One Wants to Ride Together
Interestingly, this isn’t Malaysia’s first time being flagged for vehicle overload. Back in December 2023, Transport Minister Anthony Loke already revealed that vehicle numbers had surpassed population figures, with 36.3 million registered cars compared to 32.4 million citizens. That was the warning shot. But instead of pumping the brakes, Malaysians floored the accelerator. In 2024, the country logged a record-breaking 816,747 new vehicle sales—the highest in our history. That’s nearly a million new cars added to the same roads everyone already complains about.
There’s no doubt that owning a car in Malaysia carries social and practical weight. It represents independence, success, and convenience—especially in rural areas or suburbs where train lines are more of a rumor than a reality. But when everyone makes the same “just this once” decision to buy another car, the result is a gridlock society: full of shiny vehicles and empty train seats. It’s no longer just about mobility—it’s about identity, and in a car-loving culture, the message is clear: Why carpool when you can just buy another Perodua?
Where Do We Go from Here?
Zahid’s optimism is commendable. He believes that with enough effort, investment, and public cooperation, Malaysia can evolve into a nation where people actually choose public transport over private cars—not out of desperation, but because it’s smarter, cleaner, and more convenient. Agencies like Prasarana are being called upon to not just build infrastructure, but to win hearts and minds. It’s a big ask. But it’s the only way out of this car-shaped conundrum.
Until that day arrives, the numbers will likely keep climbing, and so will the frustration. Parking lots will remain war zones. Road rage incidents will continue to trend. And Malaysians will keep asking the eternal question: "Why is there traffic at 11PM on a Tuesday?" (Answer: because we have more cars than people, and apparently, everyone decided to go out for roti canai at the same time.)
So yes, Malaysia has more cars than people. And while it’s tempting to chuckle at the absurdity of it, it’s also time to reflect. Not just on how we got here, but on what kind of future we’re driving toward—and whether it’s time to consider a new route.
