Cabinet Committee Set To Tackle Road Congestion and Safety in 2025

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, YAB Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, chaired the first 2025 meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion (JK-MKKJR) at the Prime Minister's Department.

The meeting focused on reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety across the country.

Datuk Dr. Ahmad Zahid encouraged the public, especially in the Klang Valley, to shift from private vehicles to public transport during peak hours.

The government has developed an extensive rail network including MRT, LRT, ECRL, and KTM. This is supported by feeder buses, taxis, e-hailing services, and the Rapid On Demand service by PRASARANA to improve first and last mile connectivity.

The meeting also highlighted current safety measures and infrastructure improvements. These include building 182 new bus stops and 22 pedestrian walkways in the Klang Valley, led by the Ministry of Local Government Development.

In Johor Bahru, short- and long-term traffic dispersal plans are being developed to support the upcoming Rapid Transit System (RTS).

Progress was reported on dedicated bus lanes. A 14 KM trial lane on Jalan Klang Lama has been completed. The lane on Jalan Ampang will be extended into the city starting 19 May.

Bus lanes will also be introduced on Jalan Klang Lama (7 KM), Jalan Gombak, Jalan Cheras, and Jalan Ipoh. A trial is planned on the Federal Highway.

Additionally, in Penang, studies are being carried out for new bus lanes on Jalan Burma and Jalan Kelawei.

Meanwhile on the matter of road safety, as of April 2025, Malaysia recorded 1,963 road accident deaths, averaging 16 deaths per day. Motorcyclists made up 1,406 of these, or about 12 deaths daily.

To reduce road accidents, the government has strengthened enforcement, especially during festive periods. During the 2025 Chinese New Year operations, accidents dropped by 10% and fatalities by 44% compared to 2024.

Similarly, deaths during the 2025 Hari Raya Aidilfitri operations were down 34% from the previous year, thanks to stricter enforcement by PDRM and JPJ.

Several new initiatives had also been approved which included installing streetlights at accident-prone areas along the PLUS Highway, especially in Senawang, Ayer Keroh, and Pagoh.

A trial will also be conducted to test lane-specific speed limits to reduce lane hogging by heavy vehicles and smoothen traffic flow.