KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 -- A new survey by global research firm Ipsos has unveiled a disconnect at the heart of Malaysia's public transport system, explaining why the nation remains trapped in an entrenched reliance on private vehicles.

The Ipsos Mobility Monitor 2026, based on a representative sample of 500 Malaysian adults, found that 77 per cent of Malaysians rely on private vehicles as their primary mode of transport, which dwarfs the global average of 54 per cent.

The data suggests that the cost of commuting is not the deterrent. Approximately 62 per cent of Malaysians agree that public transport in their area is affordable, significantly higher than the global sentiment of 53 per cent.

However, this affordability is being undermin...