JB snarl is getting worse

Despite repeated assurances from the state and federal governments that the traffic situation in Johor Baru would be addressed, residents and travelers are witnessing worsening congestion. Bottlenecks caused by traffic from the town area and the Causeway are affecting roads like Jalan Stulang Laut and Jalan Tebrau. To tackle this issue, the state government proposed the establishment of a task force, which would focus on areas with major projects.

Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, the chairman of the state works, transportation, and infrastructure committee, disclosed that during a recent state executive council meeting, Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi proposed the formation of a task force to address the congestion problem. The proposed task force would be jointly chaired by the Mentri Besar and the Transport Minister, and other relevant ministries and departments, such as the Works Ministry and the local government, would be involved as well.

Fazli met with Transport Minister Anthony Loke to discuss the proposed task force and Loke promised to examine the proposal, ensuring it does not overlap with other existing agencies. The congestion has negatively impacted businesses in Johor Baru, with Roland Lim, the president of the Johor Baru Business and Hawker Association, explaining that the ongoing construction of the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link has exacerbated the congestion. He added that illegal roadside parking has worsened the situation further.

Many residents, such as entrepreneur Engku Puteri Irna Maisara Ungku Mokhsin, have experienced expanded congestion in areas like Stulang Laut, where she resides. Engku Puteri stated that people are utilizing alternative routes to avoid traffic in the town, which has subsequently worsened the traffic situation in other areas. Construction works near the R&F Mall and the lack of parking in town have also contributed to the bottleneck, according to Engku Puteri.

Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong observed that the congestion is spilling over from the town area to Tebrau road. He emphasized the need to monitor the traffic situation in Johor Baru to avoid wasting time. In addition to ongoing construction, the lack of parking spaces in the town aggravates the congestion as motorists have to circle around until a parking spot becomes available.