11.4 – Sustainable practices

11.4.2 – Promote Sustainable Commuting

UKM goes beyond infrastructure by fostering a culture of sustainability among its students and staff besides driving to support the target of 70% sustainable commuting by 2030. The university promotes carpooling, encourages cycling, and supports walking as a primary commuting mode through awareness campaigns and institutional incentives. These efforts shift behavior toward more sustainable choices, positioning UKM as a trailblazer in reshaping campus commuting practices. UKM’s sustainable commuting initiatives directly challenge the vehicle-centric culture that plagues many urban areas, showcasing how universities can lead societal transformation.

Table shows UKM’s Sustainable Practices Targets

No.	Practices
1.	UKM is Accessible via Public Transportation
2.	Encouraging the use of university vehicles
3.	Carbon Emission Fee (Vehicle Sticker)
4.	Prohibition on First Year Students on bringing personal vehicles.
5.	Ride Bicycles services  for Students.
6.	Park and Ride Service
7.	Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV)
8.	MyUKM Smart Bus

1. UKM is Accessible via Public Transportation

There are various modes of public transportation such as buses and trains, available for both UKM staff and students. MRT Kajang and UKM Komuter station are the nearby train stations situated close to the campus area which can be reached via the RapidKL public bus. In addition, the students have established a ride-sharing Telegram group where students communicate about their transportation needs within as well as outbound the campus area.

2. Encouraging the use of university vehicles

UKM provides transportation facilities for its community members, including both staff and students. Staff or students who need to attend group activities or events outside the campus may apply to use the transportation services provided by the university. UKM provides a system for vehicle booking, and students or staff can submit their requests through this system.

3. Carbon Emission Fee (Vehicle Sticker)

UKM implements a carbon emission fee for fossil fuel vehicles by setting high fees for vehicle stickers and limiting their availability, aiming to reduce private car usage on campus. In 2022, UKM developed the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Regulations (TRAFFIC) 2022, which clearly outlines the guidelines regarding traffic at UKM. The regulation explicitly restricts first-year students from bringing vehicles to campus, allowing limited exceptions only for those with valid, essential needs. Additionally, sticker fees increase progressively for staff and students with multiple vehicles, reinforcing UKM’s commitment to sustainability and carbon emission reduction.

4. Prohibition on First Year Students on bringing personal vehicles

From March 2012 until 2023, UKM’s Security Division has been enforcing the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Regulations (TRAFFIC) 2022 in which the university prohibits first year students from bringing their vehicles to campus. Accordingly, the relevant students would be given time to send their vehicles back to their hometown.

5. Ride Bicycles services for Students

UKM has strict rules on students driving on campus. Because of that, UKM offers a “Ride Bicycle” initiative to encourage sustainable transportation among students, providing a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to motorized vehicles on campus. This program aims to reduce carbon emissions, promote physical activity and alleviate traffic congestion within the university. Bicycles are strategically placed across the campus, allowing students to easily access them for short commutes between facilities. This initiative aligns with UKM’s commitment to sustainability and contributes to creating a greener campus environment.

6. Park and Ride Service

As part of the UKM Bangi Campus Physical Development Master Plan 2007-2020, a Park and Ride service has been in operation since July 1, 2009. This initiative is designed to reduce and limit the parking footprint within the campus by encouraging staff, students, and visitors to park in designated areas outside the main campus and use shuttle services for convenient access to campus facilities.

7. Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV)

UKM strengthened its commitment toward achieving a Zero Emission Campus through the introduction of electric buses as the primary mode of on-campus transportation. This initiative marks a major step in UKM’s long-term goal to transition to Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) across all campus operations. With five electric buses now operating within the Bangi campus, UKM has established a cleaner, quieter and more efficient mobility system that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports a healthier campus environment. The initiative not only provides a sustainable and convenient commuting option for students and staff but also demonstrates UKM’s proactive leadership in integrating innovation, green technology and environmental responsibility into daily campus life. This effort aligns with the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 and Malaysia’s aspiration to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050, reinforcing UKM’s position as a national model for low-carbon and sustainable university transportation systems. Through this milestone, UKM continues to inspire a culture of sustainability and serve as a living laboratory for future-ready green mobility solutions.

7. MyUKM Smart Bus

The MyUKM Smart Bus app is a dedicated mobile application developed to enhance campus mobility at UKM. It provides real-time tracking of UKM shuttle buses, enabling students, staff and visitors to view live bus locations, estimated arrival times and designated routes across the campus. By offering accurate and up-to-date information, the app helps users plan their journeys efficiently, reduce waiting times and encourage the use of public campus transport instead of private vehicles. Available on the Google Play Store, the MyUKM Smart Bus app supports UKM’s vision of a smart, sustainable and low-carbon campus, aligning with the university’s broader efforts toward digital transformation and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.

UKM actively promotes sustainable commuting as part of its goal to achieve 70% sustainable travel by 2030. The university encourages the use of public transportation, carpooling, walking and cycling to reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion. Facilities such as the Park and Ride service, bicycle-sharing program and university vehicle system support low-carbon mobility across the campus. Additionally, UKM enforces the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Traffic) Regulations 2022, which restrict first-year students from bringing personal vehicles and introduce a carbon emission-based sticker fee system to discourage excessive vehicle use. Through awareness campaigns, institutional policies and sustainable transport infrastructure, UKM fosters a culture of eco-friendly commuting that not only reduces its environmental footprint but also sets an example of responsible mobility for the wider community.