Johor MB Onn Hafiz will present a special plan to reduce city traffic, including a proposed RM7 billion elevated ART system, after the Aidilfitri celebrations.
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor government will present a special briefing on comprehensive plans to reduce traffic congestion in the city immediately after the Aidilfitri celebrations.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi stated he will personally deliver the presentation outlining the state’s short, medium and long-term measures, which include the development of an elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit system.
He confirmed the proposed ART development, introduced in 2024, has received the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail.
The project proposal has also been submitted to the Ministry of Transport and discussed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I hope that this project can be approved soon,” Onn Hafiz said in an exclusive interview with Bernama at his official residence.
The proposed ART system in Johor Bahru will feature 32 stations covering more than 50 kilometres at an estimated cost of about RM7 billion.
Three main lines have been identified, namely Tebrau, Skudai and Iskandar Puteri, with the Tebrau line given priority as about 75% of vehicles use that route.
Tunku Mahkota Ismail had previously expressed concern over potential traffic congestion when the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link begins operations in early 2027.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said last December that approval for the ART project is under discussion, with implementation details expected to be finalised soon.
Onn Hafiz said other efforts being considered to address congestion include increasing bus services and expanding the use of e-hailing services.
The state government is also looking at strengthening the public transport system, including commuter services and the electric train service.
The Johor Bahru-Kuala Lumpur ETS service, launched in December last year, enables a direct journey of about four hours and 30 minutes.
State Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh previously said three locations have been proposed for new stations on the Kempas Baru-Pasir Gudang commuter service.
The Sun Malaysia
