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.

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.

Encouragement of Walking Within the Campus Area

Since 2011, UKM has encouraged their community to practice walking around the campus area to reduce the use of private vehicles within the campus area as well as maintain a healthy lifestyle.  In addition, the UKM Strategy Center (Strategy UKM) has developed a mobile application, Sustain Your Step which tracks the number of walking steps among UKM staff members in 2023.

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. 

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.

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.

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.