JB FOLK CALL FOR ELEVATED HIGHWAY TO PASIR GUDANG
JOHOR folk are urging the state government to consider building an elevated highway between Pasir Gudang and Johor Baru as a long-term solution to the worsening traffic congestion, especially since current road expansion projects may not be sufficient.
E-hailing driver Ahmad Sani Mohammad, 42, said with the current volume of vehicles, including those from Singapore, expanding the highway to three lanes was no longer enough.
“With the number of road users increasing daily, the congestion along Pasir Gudang Highway has become unbearable – even on weekends,” he said.
“Traffic usually starts building up from 6.30am until 2pm, then again from 4pm to 11pm. It only briefly eases around 3pm.”
Ahmad Sani suggested that introducing an elevated highway, similar to infrastructure in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, would offer a more sustainable and future-proof solution for Johor.
“I don’t think the current road-widening project will be enough. We need a better and longer-term plan to address the congestion, especially in Pasir Gudang,” he added.
Private sector worker V. Prabagaran, 52, said he believed stricter enforcement of road regulations – such as those seen in European countries – was crucial in tackling the issue.
“One major contributor to congestion and accidents here is lane hogging. Drivers cruise slowly in lanes meant for overtaking, causing bottlenecks,” he said.
Prabagaran, who has driven in Germany and Italy, said highway discipline abroad was strictly enforced.
“In Europe, if you are in the wrong lane or driving below the speed limit, you’ll be pulled over. I once drove at 160km/h there without issue because every lane had a clearly defined speed,” he said, adding that stricter lane enforcement in Johor could improve traffic flow significantly.
Civil servant Nur Adiba Anisah Anuar, 25, called for improved public transport options and proposed the development of a light rail transit (LRT) system linking Pasir Gudang and Johor Baru.
“Free public buses are available but people still prefer driving. An LRT line would give commuters an efficient alternative and reduce the number of vehicles on the road.”
Nur Adiba said while the current road projects were helpful, more sustainable options must be considered moving forward.
“I would prefer a long-term plan like LRT, where people could park at their nearest stations and take the train to the city,” she added.
Echoing these sentiments, Permas assemblyman Baharudin Mohamed Taib said he had proposed to the Federal Government the construction of an elevated highway as a long-term measure.
“I understand that the Public Works Department (JKR) at the federal level is currently reviewing the proposal,” he said, adding that toll options might also be considered.
Baharudin also highlighted the need to revisit plans for a second Permas bridge, which had an estimated cost of over RM200mil.
“I have proposed that the Greater Johor Baru initiative allocate funds for the project, though I understand it is a significant financial undertaking,” he said.
In addition, he urged for the upgrading of the Sogo-Bakar Batu flyover and nearby intersections to support future developments, including the new bridge.
While acknowledging that the larger projects might take time, Baharudin proposed a more modest alternative: a bridge connecting Kampung Pendas Baru to Bandar Sri Saujana, near Giant and Lotus’s Plentong.
“The bridge will span a narrow river and is expected to cost between RM6mil and RM7mil.
“I have been informed by Johor Baru City Council that the project may be included in next year’s budget,” he said.
Baharudin added that he planned to submit the proposal during the next state assembly sitting or raise it through the district action committee platform, where he frequently highlighted local infrastructure issues.
2025-04-29T23:38:36Z