Experts Propose Dynamic AI System To Address Congestion

NST reports that Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, the founder and chief operating officer of MY Mobility Vision, proposed a dynamic AI system to manage road usage restrictions that adapt to real-time traffic conditions to ease traffic congestion during peak hours.

“What if instead of fixed schedules, we could adjust restrictions in real time based on actual traffic conditions? When congestion spikes unexpectedly, the system could extend the ban. When roads are clear, it could allow heavy vehicles through,” said Wan Agyl.

Wan Agyl's suggestion comes after the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) stated last week that the lorry ban on the PLUS, NKVE, Elite, and DUKE roads would be enforced beginning February 19 of this year.


The new limits, which will be in effect Monday through Friday from 4.30pm to 7.30pm (excluding public holidays), will complement the existing restrictions between 6.30am and 9.30am.

The authority's decision to implement a peak-hour restriction has encountered opposition from the Association of Malaysia Hauliers (AMH) and other transport sector associations. They contend that the decision was made without consultation and will negatively impact their members' livelihoods and disrupt supply chains.

Wan Agyl emphasized that AI-driven traffic monitoring technology has been proven to reduce congestion by 22% and fuel costs by approximately 15%, based on existing research. He noted that similar systems have created more efficient and predictable systems for drivers and logistics operators, leading to fewer wasted hours and more efficient outcomes overall.

The current fixed time slots for the heavy vehicle ban do not take into account unpredictable traffic conditions such as weather, accidents, or local events, which can cause traffic to be heavier or lighter than usual, leading to idling trucks, wasted fuel, and business disruptions, especially for industries that rely on just-in-time manufacturing and the delivery of goods.

The resulting extended detours and delays affect the entire supply chain, impacting industries from electronics to palm oil, and current exemptions for emergency vehicles and waste management do not address the needs of commercial logistics, Wan Agyl added. 

To improve the situation, Wan Agyl suggests that Malaysia could take advantage of inter-modal transport by shifting freight transport from roads to rail or sea routes, and increase investment in rail freight to relieve pressure on highways.

He also suggests rethinking the policy to ensure a balance of traffic management and economic efficiency, pointing out that projects like the Integrated Transport Information System (ITIS) have already shown that collaboration can lead to significant improvements in traffic management.