TWO elected representatives are urging Johor government to speed up plans for shortcut roads in their constituencies, saying that residents are bearing the daily burden of long commutes and worsening traffic congestion.
Pekan Nanas assemblyman Tan Eng Meng said traffic congestion along major routes in his constituency has become increasingly worrying as the area underwent rapid development, particularly as it formed part of the newly established Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
“Residents, workers, students, traders and motorists travelling in and out of Pekan Nanas are facing daily delays, particularly on routes heading towards Ulu Choh and Johor Baru,” he told the state assembly sitting in Kota Iskandar.
He said the proposed RM65mil Pekan Nanas link road connecting the Gelang Patah-Ulu Choh road (J7) to Jalan Sawah (J133) is crucial as an alternative route to ease congestion.
Eng Meng said the proposal, first submitted in 2023, had yet to show meaningful progress despite the successful completion of land acquisition processes in Pontian and Kulai last year.
He added that gridlock along Jalan Kampung Ulu Pulai had worsened because the route was a critical link for heavy vehicles travelling to Johor Baru and Gelang Patah.
On welfare matters, Eng Meng also called on the state government to provide immediate financial aid such as temporary rental assistance, basic electrical appliances and early recovery support for victims affected by the May 4 storm in his constituency.
He said the storm damaged 29 houses in Kampung Melayu Raya and displaced nearly 100 people, forcing them into a temporary relief centre.
A similar disaster occurred on Feb 27 in Batu 30 Pengkalan Raja, where a storm damaged 16 houses and forced 11 families into temporary shelters for more than two weeks, said Eng Meng.
He said many of those affected were tenants who suffered property losses and struggling to secure new accommodation on short notice.
Meanwhile, Bekok assemblyman Tan Chong raised separate concerns over the lack of a shortcut road for Orang Asli residents in Kampung Lenek and villagers in Kampung Panca Jaya in Segamat.
He said residents currently have to take a significantly longer route via the main road from Bekok to Labis just to reach town to get their daily necessities.
“Before the Gemas-Johor Baru double-tracking electric train service project began, residents frequently used a shorter route through Kampung Baru Sungai Karas in Labis.
“The difference in distance is significant, and that shortcut route was much more convenient for villagers,” he said.
Tan Chong had already raised the matter twice in previous state assembly sittings, adding that the Forestry Department had informed him that an official road reserve was available for the proposed shortcut.
