Use AI To Solve Highway Traffic Woes - Ahmad Maslan

The government is looking into a number of options to deal with the problem of traffic congestion on highways, especially during the holidays and festive seasons, according to Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
Malaysians have been debating traffic congestion for quite some time. Nonetheless, it appears that the government has failed to find fundamental solutions to this problem. Ahmad Maslan believes that instead of using the increase in vehicles or traffic as an excuse, efforts should be made to find solutions to the congestion problem using cutting-edge technology.
"I hope Plus and other concession companies can utilise modern technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to alleviate congestion, especially during holidays lasting more than two days, which typically result in prolonged traffic jams.

"We must find a solution to the problem," he said during a press conference after officiating the Highway Concession Conference (HCC) 2024.
The government has implemented contraflow lanes and "smart lanes" at 18 locations in an effort to relieve traffic congestion. However, the minister has called for the expansion of these measures, particularly the smart lanes, which are too short and fail to effectively address traffic congestion. 

Along with the general promotion of My-TTA by PLUS, he also mentioned the expansion of "compulsory exits" during periods of severe traffic congestion or during accidents. This will enable users to plan their journey by determining the best times to use the highway and spend less time on the road.
According to the International Energy Agency, Malaysia has the second-highest levels of CO2 emissions and the fourth-worst traffic congestion in Southeast Asia as a result of an exponential rise in the number of vehicles on the road.