Traffic appears generally to be quite good as of today, but we’re sure you ran into some legendary tailbacks last week or at least saw a lot of stuff on social media about how bad the jams were. We suppose it’s not unexpected given that Chinese New Year and Ramadan are next to each other this year. And yet, the sheer magnitude of the congestion recently was enough for many to deem it extraordinary.
Public transport has made some significant leaps over the past few years, but Malaysia continues to have a voracious appetite for cars, and according to transport minister Anthony Loke, the government has no immediate plans to introduce any policies to curb car ownership, reports the New Straits Times.
“At this stage, there is no specific policy to limit vehicle numbers. Any long-term strategy must balance mobility needs, economic factors and public acceptance.
“Malaysia recorded vehicle sales of about 820,000 units last year, making it the largest vehicle market in Southeast Asia despite its comparatively smaller population than Indonesia. This is the reality we must understand. Rising motorisation continues to outpace road capacity improvements,” he said recently, adding that ownership restrictions remain sensitive.
Congestion cannot be resolved solely through traffic management interventions, the transport minister said, adding that his ministry is focusing on expanding and optimising public transport services – particularly during high-demand periods – including adding KTM services (ETS included) and leveraging digital systems to improve seat utilisation.
“However, the scale of public transport enhancements remains relatively small when compared with overall traffic volumes. Even with tens of thousands of additional rail seats, the number of vehicles entering highways can reach into the millions during peak travel windows,” said Loke.
It is of course pertinent to note that although Malaysia buys so many cars every year, they’re not all on the road at the same time. Still, our heavy reliance on private transport means more of us get around in cars than we should, at least from a sustainable perspective.
As a family man (with a lot of baby things to carry) who loves cars and writes for a car site, I fully appreciate the convenience of the car. For the places my family and I frequent, it also often works out cheaper to drive (even when we account for parking) than to take public transport.
But I also recognise the importance of doing my part to alleviate congestion, and will take the train wherever feasible, certainly if I’m on my own. Of course, it helps that I also love trains, and one can’t help feeling a bit smug in an MRT train soaring over kilometre-long gridlocks below. Go on, we’re sure you have a lot to say – what are your solutions to Malaysia’s traffic woes?
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Under Madani proton saga and S70 prices going down the wazoo because of his election promise to lower car prices. He kept his promise so he must be reelected!
It’s always Anthony Loke problem. Others just hide behind. maybe we should pay Loke Quadruple salary since you expect him to be responsible for the jobs of transport miniuster, Trade minister, Finance minister, and Economic minister
I pity bro for carrying Transportation related problems on his back
Of ocs they won’t otherwise how else the gomen can made personal pocket money
One of the significant reason for booming numbers of vehicles on the road is because of the JPJ rule to relocate ‘the hodoh’ plate into another vehicle (mostly motorbike) when owner intends to replace it with an interesting plate.
Should have allow the ‘hodoh’ registration number flooting in the system waiting for any interested party instead.
that makes no sense . even if someone owns multiple vehicles he can only drive one vehicle a time himself so all the others vehicles will be Off the road not on the road.
I’ve talked with one of the JPJ top brass. He says JPJ is aware of the issue and undergoing process to change it. Just wait and we’ll see who is dumber here. BTW if u are motorcycle dealer then everbody know that u are just thinking money only. That’s why u are buta kayu.
The automotive industry lobby is very very strong in the Parliament and no one, even DBKL dare to suggest any form of restrictions like parking space reductions, area pricing, etc.despite traffic congestion getting worse by day.Hope everything solve by itself.
how loke wanna sell plate no. if car ownership impeded???
Remove all petrol subsidies
For me to go around alone, 1st choice is car, 2nd choice is by motorbike and last choice is public transport. i put public transport as the last choice because of the inconvenience for the last mile to my destination. if the destination is about 2 to 3km from the nearest train station, Grab drivers refused to pick me up because short distance.
What traffic jam??, no issue for me since i commute to work on my bike. Will only use my car for travelling outstation with family. If you hate traffic jam, ride a bike for going to places in town…..the best solution