'Better than doing nothing': Yeoh stands by 'Bangun KL' coffee initiative for better traffic flow

 

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh is standing by the private-sector-led “Bangun KL” initiative, which utilises discounted coffee to nudge road travellers into travelling earlier and easing peak-hour traffic.

Launched on April 9 and set to run until year-end, the programme, in collaboration with Zus Coffee, is part of the government’s broader efforts to elevate the quality of urban life by helping commuters win back time typically sacrificed to traffic.

Under the campaign involving a total of 250 Zus Coffee outlets across Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, discounts of nearly 30 percent are offered for selected drinks purchased via the homegrown brand’s mobile app between 7am and 8am.

Certain quarters have questioned its effectiveness in reducing road congestion, with some pointing out that many Klang Valley residents already leave home as early as 6am.

Others also argued that the coffee promotion is unlikely to affect established routines, especially for commuters whose travels hinge on a variety of factors, such as the timing for school drop-offs.

Yeoh previously affirmed that the initiative is voluntary and not intended to compel behavioural change.

Practical, attractive incentives

Speaking at the campaign’s April 9 launching event held at a Zus Coffee outlet on Jalan Hang Kasturi, the minister said the move seeks to provide practical and attractive incentives for those willing to modify their travelling routines.

“The coffee promotion is just one example of how incentives could encourage people to start their day earlier,” the New Straits Times quoted Yeoh as saying then.

“This is not about asking everyone to drink coffee, but about offering added value to those who already do.

"At this stage, we want city residents to realise that there are many privileges in Kuala Lumpur for those who start their day early,” she added.

Noting that congestion is “inevitable” as approximately 1.2 million vehicles enter Kuala Lumpur every morning, with peak congestion occurring between 8am and 9am, Yeoh also said that if “even 10 percent” of commuters begin their journey earlier, traffic flow could significantly improve.

She added that the campaign will also aid in the government’s efforts to collect data on user behaviour, adoption rates, and the effectiveness of such incentives in reducing traffic jams.

No govt spending

Following the flak, Yeoh recently doubled down on the government’s move to embark on the initiative, highlighting that it is “better than doing nothing”.

“If you want to criticise any programme, I’m sure anyone can find something wrong with every single one,” The Star quoted her as saying at a separate event in Bandar Tun Razak yesterday.

Acknowledging that no single measure developed by any party would be able to please everyone, the minister also said the “Bangun KL” initiative does not involve government spending.

Asserting that collaborations with the private sector are essential to address chronic traffic issues, Yeoh stressed that traffic congestion is a global urban challenge that cannot be resolved overnight.

“If everyone contributes, I believe things will improve, but it will take time," she said, as quoted by the New Straits Times. - Mkini