TRAFFIC congestion and indiscriminate parking are becoming a problem in two Johor Baru neighbourhoods as houses are converted into commercial premises, residents say.
Taman Kebun Teh and Taman Melodies folk say the increase in vehicles, driven by the emergence of cafes, restaurants and other businesses, has turned their streets into hazardous zones.
Land surveyor Henry Seow, 64, who has lived in Taman Kebun Teh for more than 20 years, said the situation worsened over the past five years.
“When I first moved here, there was hardly any commercial activity on the main roads.
“Now, many houses have been converted into restaurants and other businesses,” he said.
He noted that his housing area and Taman Melodies were located next to each other, with roads such as Jalan Beringin, Jalan Chengai, Jalan Balau, Jalan Dedap and Jalan Meranti in Taman Melodies severely affected by vehicles obstructing junctions.
“At some junctions, it feels like you are gambling with your life, because parked cars block your view and there are pedestrians crossing the road,” he said, adding that weekend traffic was even worse.
“We do not want to stop people from doing business. We just want them to organise their parking properly.”
Taman Kebun Teh Residents Association chairman P. David, 70, said the neighbourhood had changed significantly since he moved there in 1976, with businesses taking up parking spaces.
He said driving through the area now took an extra 15 to 20 minutes, particularly when trying to exit towards Jalan Kebun Teh, Century Garden and Jalan Dato Sulaiman.
“Restaurants and cafes need parking spaces and proper access roads.
“These requirements should be considered before more businesses are allowed to operate here,” he said.
David called for a temporary halt on new business licences until traffic conditions improve.
Manager Mikaleif Mustak, 25, said double parking near Jalan Beringin, a main road that connects the housing area to Taman Kebun Teh, was the main issue.
“I have witnessed several near misses and minor accidents owing to heavy traffic, double-parking and motorists trying to cut the queue.”
Mikaleif hopes to see stricter enforcement against double parking, better traffic management and additional parking spaces to ease congestion.
Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) Kebun Teh zone councillor Dr Ngoh Wei Ching said the most frequent issue raised by residents was shortage of parking spaces.
He identified the Jalan Beringin-Jalan Meranti junction as one of the worst congestion hotspots, adding that residents had raised their concerns during meetings and community events, although MBJB had not received any official complaints.
Ngoh said a traffic impact assessment was being carried out, with measures such as converting selected roads into one-way streets among the proposals.
He also proposed requiring new commercial developments to provide at least two rows of parking spaces, while encouraging businesses to engage People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) personnel during peak periods.
Ngoh said residents should report illegally parked vehicles to MBJB, while better public transport could also help reduce dependence on private vehicles.
