THE proposed congestion charges could reduce traffic congestion by up to 20 per cent if implemented in Kuala Lumpur, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
She said a Prasarana Malaysia Berhad study in 2020 showed that the country suffered RM20 billion in losses due to traffic congestion.
"International cities had seen congestion reduced by 10 to 30 per cent following the implementation of similar measures.
"Based on preliminary studies, we are also considering several implementation mechanisms that have been used in international cities," she said in response to a question from Azman Nasrudin (PN-Padang Serai).
However, she said the government also does not want the charges to excessively burden users if it is set too high.
The government also identified three cities in Malaysia with the potential to implement congestion charges, namely Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and Johor Baru.
Zaliha said her ministry is studying congestion pricing models used in major cities worldwide, including the use of electronic licence plate readers in New York and Singapore’s electronic road pricing.
Electronic Road Pricing, implemented in Singapore, charges vary by zones and peak hours to regulate traffic flow.
Previously, Zaliha said a study was being conducted by Miros and Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation to assess the effectiveness of the charges.
"I have been informed that the report will be completed by the end of this year, and it will likely be presented to the committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“We will assess its impact and consequences on the country and the people," added Zaliha. – February 2
