GEORGE TOWN: The traffic dispersal project connecting the Juru and Sungai Dua toll plazas has received positive response from an opposition lawmaker.
Seberang Jaya assemblyman Izhar Shah Arif Shah said the project’s implementation could help alleviate the chronic congestion that has long troubled residents in the surrounding areas.
"We at Seberang Jaya welcome the project implementation as it will alleviate the problem in the area," he said when debating the Supply Bill at the state legislative assembly on Monday (Nov 17).
He noted that previous assemblymen in Seberang Jaya had also proposed similar projects in the state assembly. However, he stressed that while the project aims to reduce congestion, it must not create further congestion due to poor traffic management during construction.
Izhar suggested the state government take a proactive approach by advising the implementing agency to prepare a Traffic Management Plan that goes beyond conventional methods such as signboards and social media announcements, as the on-ground situation requires a modern and timely approach.
"In today’s advanced era, the public can no longer be given traffic flow maps that look like wedding seating plans. What we need is 24-hour, real-time and functional communication, not just periodic updates," he said.
He added that without such measures, commuters could be trapped in traffic for hours each day, turning this highly anticipated project into a source of public frustration.
"We want the project to be a solution, not an added problem," he said.
On Nov 8, the traffic dispersal project between the Juru Toll Plaza and the Sungai Dua Toll Plaza officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony held at Tapak Ekspo Seberang Jaya.
Officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the 17.3km project is expected to benefit 200,000 daily users by reducing congestion along the North-South Highway route. Construction is scheduled over 48 months, with physical work for Package 1 starting this month and other packages expected to begin by mid-2026. The entire project is targeted for completion by mid-2030.
