Public Service DG Wan Ahmad Dahlan named MRT Corp chairman
Public Service director general Tan Sri Dr Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz has been appointed chairman of Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp), effective Aug 13.
Source: EdgeProp Malaysia · August 18, 2026 at 10:30 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-source
PUTRAJAYA, 19 AUGUST 2026 —
KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 18): Public Service director general Tan Sri Dr Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz has been appointed chairman of Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp), effective Aug 13.
Market Impact
In a statement on Tuesday, MRT Corp said the appointment aligns with the organisation’s critical phase in executing its national rail and urban development mandate.
“The organisation is advancing several major infrastructure projects, including the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link and the Penang LRT Mutiara Line, while enhancing its capabilities in transit-oriented development, integrated property development and commercial revenue growth,” it said.
MRT Corp chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim said Wan Ahmad Dahlan’s extensive experience in public administration, governance and institutional leadership would be instrumental in delivering key national projects.
“His expertise will support MRT Corp in strengthening delivery capabilities and advancing Malaysia’s mobility and urban development agenda, particularly in fostering sustainable cities and improving public transport,” he said.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan, who has served as Public Service director general since January 2024, brings over three decades of public service experience. His career includes leadership roles such as director general of the Implementation Coordination Unit in the Prime Minister’s Department, secretary general of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Comptroller of the Royal Household at Istana Negara.
He began his career in the Administrative and Diplomatic Service in 1995, holding positions across various ministries and government institutions, with expertise in public administration, governance and policy implementation.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan also serves as chairman of the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) Malaysia and the Razak School of Government. He holds board positions at Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd, the Employees Provident Fund and the Inland Revenue Board.
The appointment comes as MRT Corp accelerates efforts to expand Malaysia’s rail network, with the RTS Link and Penang LRT Mutiara Line among its flagship projects. The RTS Link, a cross-border rail system connecting Johor Bahru to Singapore, is a key initiative under the Malaysia-Singapore Bilateral Agreement, while the Penang LRT Mutiara Line aims to enhance urban mobility in the northern region.
MRT Corp’s role extends beyond rail operations, encompassing transit-oriented development and commercial ventures to ensure financial sustainability. The organisation has previously highlighted the importance of integrated property development to generate revenue and support public transport infrastructure.
For Malaysia’s infrastructure sector, Wan Ahmad Dahlan’s appointment signals continuity in national development strategies, particularly in rail and urban transport. His background in public administration and policy implementation may strengthen MRT Corp’s coordination with government agencies and private stakeholders.
The long-term outlook for MRT Corp will depend on the successful delivery of its projects, regulatory support and market conditions. Analysts have previously noted that transit-oriented developments could drive economic growth in urban areas, though execution risks remain a consideration.
Details on specific timelines for the RTS Link and Penang LRT Mutiara Line were not disclosed in the statement.
Related: Putrajaya