Bold, long-term strategies needed to tackle traffic congestion

 

Malaysia’s persistent traffic congestion, particularly in the Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Bahru and several other cities, continues to worsen because the government has avoided implementing crucial but politically sensitive strategies.

As urban populations grow and car ownership rises, the strain on the country’s transportation infrastructure is becoming unbearable.

Without a bold, long-term strategy, the consequences will only escalate, affecting the economy, environment, and quality of life.

Effective measures

Addressing traffic congestion requires decisive actions that have proven successful elsewhere.

These include:

• Higher car sales tax: By increasing the cost of purchasing cars, the government can discourage excessive private vehicle ownership. Malaysia’s car ownership rates are among the highest in the region, and this has contributed significantly to traffic congestion. A higher car sales tax would reduce the number of new cars on the road, easing pressure on the infrastructure.
• Raising fuel prices: Cheap fuel incentivises car use, contributing directly to traffic congestion. Raising petrol prices would push individuals to reconsider their dependence on private vehicles and explore more sustainable alternatives, such as public transport. Singapore has successfully used high fuel prices and its Certificate of Entitlement policy to control ownership and as a deterrent against excessive car use, resulting in far less traffic congestion.
• Increased parking charges: Low parking fees make car use convenient and encourage people to drive even for short trips. Raising parking fees, especially in central business districts and high-traffic areas, will make private vehicle use less attractive and shift demand towards public transport or alternative modes of travel.
• Higher road taxes: A progressive road tax system, where owners of larger, more polluting vehicles pay significantly higher fees, can reduce the number of unnecessary vehicles on the road. It also encourages the use of smaller, more environmentally friendly vehicles and discourages excessive car ownership.
• Congestion charges: Imposing congestion charges in high-traffic areas would help control the number of vehicles entering these zones, especially during peak hours. Cities like London, Stockholm and Singapore have implemented congestion charges with great success, significantly reducing traffic volumes in their central areas and generating revenue for public transport improvements.

Political sensitivity versus long-term gain

Although these measures are politically sensitive, they are essential to limit car usage, reduce traffic volumes, and improve the efficiency of the transportation system.

Countries that have implemented such strategies have seen reduced traffic congestion, lower pollution levels, and a shift towards public transport.

Moreover, these policies can generate substantial revenue for governments, which can be reinvested into expanding and modernising public transportation networks.

By refusing to adopt these necessary changes, the government risks allowing traffic congestion to worsen, which in turn will lead to increased air pollution, deteriorating health conditions, and rising economic costs.

Productivity is significantly impacted by daily traffic jams, as workers spend hours stuck in traffic instead of contributing to the economy.

Additionally, businesses face higher operational costs due to inefficiencies in the transport sector, further straining the economy.

Austerity, the logical starting point

Given Malaysia’s economic situation, with national debt now exceeding RM1.5 trillion and consecutive years of running budget deficits, the government must adopt an austerity-driven budget.

Reducing the deficit will require difficult but necessary decisions, and addressing the transportation sector is a logical starting point.

The measures outlined not only help reduce traffic congestion but also provide a sustainable source of revenue to fund much-needed public transport upgrades for all cities and urban areas.

Expanding the country’s public transport network will ease congestion, lower environmental damage, and make cities more lovable.

By investing in robust rail, bus and other mass transit systems, the government can shift the public’s reliance away from private vehicles, creating a more efficient and sustainable transportation ecosystem.

Furthermore, this approach aligns with long-term environmental goals, as fewer cars on the road lead to reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality.

Bold action needed

The solution to Malaysia’s traffic woes will not come from short-term fixes or politically convenient decisions.

It requires bold, decisive action that prioritises long-term benefits over immediate political concerns.

Implementing higher taxes on car sales, fuel, parking and road use, along with congestion charges, is not only necessary but inevitable if Malaysia hopes to address the mounting challenges of traffic congestion, economic inefficiency and environmental degradation.

The transportation sector must be at the forefront of Malaysia’s efforts to reduce its budget deficit, manage its debt, and transition towards a more sustainable future.

Without these tough measures, the country risks falling further into economic and environmental disrepair, with traffic congestion as a clear indicator of its inability to modernise and plan for the future. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.