Traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur is becoming more severe as the number of vehicles on the road continues to increase.
An analyst said the high number of motorcycles is one of the key factors contributing to the worsening situation.
Congestion worsens as vehicle numbers rise
Kuala Lumpur is facing growing traffic congestion due to the rising number of vehicles, especially motorcycles.
The increasing volume is affecting traffic flow and putting pressure on the city’s infrastructure.
Pushing factor needed to shift to public transport
In an interview with Astro Awani, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Vice Chancellor Datuk Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said a stronger “pushing factor” is needed to change road user behaviour.
We need to start thinking about a pushing factor, which is how we can move private vehicle users to public transport, and the alternatives are already available,” he said.
According to him, public transport options already exist, but the overall cost of using private vehicles should influence decision-making.
He explained that when total travel costs become too high, especially for middle- and lower-income earners, more people may turn to public transport.
The question is how we can ensure that the overall travel cost makes middle- and lower-income groups feel that they have no choice but to use public transport because the total cost of using private vehicles is no longer affordable,” he explained.
Motorcycles add to road capacity challenges
Ahmad Farhan said Malaysia’s situation differs from many other countries because private transport here includes a large number of motorcycles.
He noted that the high volume of motorcycles affects road capacity and contributes to congestion levels.
He said this is a key issue that must be addressed in efforts to reduce traffic problems.
Both car and motorcycle users must be targeted
Ahmad Farhan said Malaysia faces a unique challenge compared to other countries because private transport here also involves a high number of motorcycles.
“We have a slight problem compared to other countries because our private transport also involves motorcycles. We have too many motorcycles,” he said.
He noted that the high number of motorcycles affects road capacity and contributes to congestion.
“That is our problem, and we need to understand it and solve it,” he added.
Call for effective solutions
Ahmad Farhan said addressing traffic congestion requires serious and effective measures.
He added that the best solutions must be identified and implemented to manage Kuala Lumpur’s growing traffic challenges.
