Kuala Lumpur: A congestion charge is expected to reduce traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur by around 20 per cent, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She emphasized that the charge, currently under study, must be set at a rate that discourages motorists from using certain roads without placing an undue burden on them.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zaliha made these remarks while responding to a question from Datuk Azman Nasrudin (PN-Padang Serai) during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. Azman had inquired about the mechanism for implementing the congestion charge and the estimated reduction in traffic congestion expected by the government.

Dr Zaliha referenced a 2020 study by Prasarana Malaysia Berhad that highlighted the country’s loss of RM20 billion due to traffic congestion. She further explained that the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and the Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) are conducting a study on the implementation of the congestion charge. The study examines various aspects, including implementation mechanisms, projected reductions in traffic volume, and potential increases in public transport usage if the charge is introduced.

Additionally, Dr Zaliha mentioned that the Federal Territories Department (JWP) would ensure that efforts to enhance Kuala Lumpur’s public transport network are aligned with the ongoing congestion charge study.