JOHOR BARU: The city is not ready for the Federal Government’s proposed congestion charge due to the lack of a comprehensive public transport master plan, says Johor executive councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.
The works, transportation, infrastructure and communications committee chairman said the proposed charges would only work if an efficient public transport system were implemented.
“Road users should also be offered park and ride options outside the central business district before such a policy can be implemented.
“(For now) Johor Baru is not ready for this, as we have yet to have a comprehensive master plan to overcome traffic congestion,” he told reporters after inspecting a road upgrading project in Kempas here yesterday.
He said roads in Johor Baru have been congested since the land borders that Malaysia shares with Singapore reopened.
He was referring to the Causeway and Second Link, which were closed on March 17, 2020, due to Covid-19. The travel restrictions were lifted on April 1, 2022.
Mohamad Fazli added that congestion charges might not be able to solve the existing traffic problem unless road users are given options such as rebates to those who take the bus instead of driving.
He was responding to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who earlier told the Dewan Rakyat that the proposed charges are still being studied by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research and the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Corporation.
The aspects being studied include the implementation mechanism, potential reduction in traffic volume, and projected update of public transportation if the congestion charge is introduced.
Mohamad Fazli added that the state welcomes such a study as implementing congestion charges involves various quarters, including the state government and local councils.
“The matter does not just cover traffic congestion,” he said.
“It involves the environment and the costs imposed on the public if they were to take public transportation or e-hailing services, among others.”
Meanwhile, Penang transport, infrastructure and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said proper road systems and efficient public transportation are needed if a congestion fee is to be implemented in the state.
“In order for us to implement creative means of reducing private vehicle usage, such as congestion charges and dedicated bus lanes, we first need to have alternatives.
“Having an LRT is a good start, and additional spinal highways such as the PIL1 are another good alternative.
“If this becomes a reality, perhaps a charge can be imposed for users of this highway to encourage people to use public transport instead,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Zairil said implementing the congestion fee would be almost impossible without these alternatives.
He said the current road network system on Penang Island is underdeveloped due to a shortage of land space and the urban heritage landscape.
Engineer Gilbert Wong, 43, said George Town faces significant traffic congestion, especially during peak hours and public holidays, due to its narrow streets and heavy tourism.
“A congestion charge could help reduce traffic and encourage the use of public transport or non-motorised transport like walking and cycling, which are more sustainable for the city’s historic and dense layout.
“But for a congestion charge to be successful, George Town would need a well-functioning public transport system to offer viable alternatives to driving.
“For now, Penang’s public transportation is improving but still faces challenges in coverage and efficiency.
“Implementing congestion charges before strengthening public transport may face resistance from the public and local residents,” he said.
