GEORGE TOWN — The Penang state government will come out with traffic management plans soon in anticipation of congestion arising from the construction of several mega infrastructure projects in the state.

Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government acknowledged that Penang tends to experience a high volume of visitors from all over the country during festive seasons and long weekends. 

“This morning, the Penang 2030 advisory panel discussed this matter and we put it as one of the top priority over the next few years that merits special attention by the state government. 

“We will come out with traffic management plans once several mega infrastructure projects commence,” he said during a press conference here today. 

He was met after witnessing Fajarbaru Builders Group Bhd and Penang Development Corporation signing the master purchase and development agreement for the first phase of the Penang Medi-City project. 

He said among the mega infrastructure projects include the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) and traffic congestion is expected to worsen as construction progressed, similar to the situation in Klang Valley. 

“However, traffic management must be given priority. We have to start somewhere and LRT is one baby step. We are very concerned and we will take the necessary actions to ensure people will not be trapped in congestion areas for long periods,” he said. 

Other efforts by the state government to alleviate traffic congestion include its commitment to make public transportation accessible by continuing to fund the Pas Mutiara programme so that Rapid Penang bus services would be free throughout the state. 

According to the latest TomTom Traffic Index released by GPS device manufacturer TomTom, George Town has been named Malaysia’s most congested city in 2024, recording the highest traffic congestion level in the country, with an average driving time of 26 minutes and 36 seconds per 10 kilometers. 

The city also emerged as the 73rd highest ranked on the global scale. — BERNAMA