KUALA LUMPUR: The government's move to purchase 100 transit vans to alleviate traffic congestion in the Klang Valley might backfire, an expert said.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Traffic and Road Safety psychologist Professor Dr Rozmi Ismail said Malaysians preferred to commute via private vehicles, like their cars due to limited and inefficient public transportation services.
"It (the allocation to purchase the 100 transit vans) is a good initiative. But would it overcome congestion, especially since Malaysians are known for using cars rather than public transport?
"I am worried that the addition of 100 transit vans on the road might only worsen the traffic congestion as people will not be using it," he told the New Straits Times today.
Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua said the RM50 million allocation might not be sufficient to completely alleviate traffic congestion.
"RM50 million is a significant investment considering the scale and complexity of the region's transportation needs.
"Comprehensive solutions require long-term planning, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and sustained funding commitments.
"It's crucial for authorities to prioritise high-impact projects, leverage innovative technologies, and explore funding mechanisms to maximise the effectiveness of the allocated budget," he said.
Selangor Road Safety Council permanent member Tengku Ahmad Marwan Tengku Mahmud suggested a few improvements to help reduce the congestion.
"The government may want to impose some reasonable or maybe higher fees to those who want to drive or ride their own vehicles in the city.
"The government also should improve the walkways or footpaths along the hotspot areas, as many will use the space to get around the city through public transport.
"The walkways should be properly built to ensure the safety of the pedestrians." he said.
Yesterday, the government announced a RM50 million allocation to alleviate traffic congestion including widening bus lanes and purchasing 100 transit vans.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this was among the decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion which met yesterday, as congestion on several roads in the country have reached critical levels, including Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Kuching and Jalan Sungai Besi in the city.