Penang Traffic Woes Persist Despite PTMP - Penang Gerakan
Penang Gerakan has renewed its criticism of the state’s transport blueprint, arguing that after almost two decades the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) has failed to ease daily traffic snarls.
At its annual state convention, delegates passed a resolution demanding an independent review of the PTMP, saying outside expertise is needed to craft practical short- and long-term fixes.
“The state convention urges the Penang government to rope in experts to get their views and to implement short and long-term measures to address traffic-related issues,” the resolution stated, according to FMT.

The call comes as Penang’s transport chief Zairil Khir Johari continues to defend the state’s heavy spending on new flyovers and the planned LRT, arguing such projects remain the most realistic way to reduce congestion.
He dismissed suggestions for bus-only lanes as “unrealistic,” stressing that buses still share the same crowded roads.
But transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan warned this mindset risks repeating mistakes seen in other global cities.

“Every new road just attracts more cars. Without managing demand through better buses, parking controls or peak-hour pricing, congestion simply moves elsewhere,” said Wan Agyl, founder of think tank MY Mobility Vision, in comments to FMT.
He believes buses can still play a vital role if given dedicated lanes and strict enforcement.
“Buses don’t fly, but they can glide. Cities like Bogotá and Seoul have proven that well-planned bus systems can match trains in speed and reliability,” he said.

While Wan Agyl supports the LRT as a long-term fix, he stressed that commuters also need faster, visible improvements.
“We need a 50-year solution like rail, but also five-year fixes people can see today like buses, ferries, better traffic management,” he added.
Written By
Anis
Previously in banking and e commerce before she realized nothing makes her happier than a revving engine and gleaming tyres........
JPJ Running Numbers
KUALA LUMPUR
VQG7650
SELANGOR
BSL4738
JOHOR
JYP3412
PULAU PINANG
PRX3829
PERAK
APD8917
PAHANG
CFE6804
KEDAH
KGD7027
NEGERI SEMBILAN
NEJ2104
KOTA KINABALU
SJP6443
KUCHING
QAB9683M
Last updated 06 Jan, 2026
Fuel Price
Petrol
RON 95
RM 2.56
RON 97
RM 3.16
RON 100
RM 5.00
VPR
RM 6.23
Diesel
EURO 5 B10
RM 2.94
EURO 5 B7
RM 3.14
Last updated 01 Jan, 2026
Related News
Penang Defends Mega Projects As Key To Tackling Traffic Woes
Penang’s transport councillor says flyovers, underpasses and the LRT are essential to ease congestion.
04-09-2025
Penang Police Strengthen Security For Mutiara LRT Project
Penang police are coordinating with agencies to ensure the Mutiara LRT project proceeds safely without compromising public security.
18-11-2025
MRT Corp Justifies RM16.8b Penang LRT Budget
MRT Corp says the RM16.8 billion ceiling for Penang LRT reflects market realities, but MCA wants clearer answers on taxpayers’ money.
21-08-2025
Gamuda Gets Nod To Begin Work On Penang LRT
The Mutiara Line LRT has officially entered its construction phase after Gamuda Bhd received the Notice to Proceed (NTP).
17-07-2025
Penang Still Waiting For Green Light From MOT For LRT project
Penang is set to begin Mutiara LRT construction but awaits final approval from MRT Corp and MOT.
02-07-2025
Penang Bus Ridership Now Exceeds 46,000 Daily
Penang bus average daily ridership has reached 46,333 after the introduction of on-demand van service and free bus travel.
22-05-2025
Penang LRT Project Progressing Steadily - MRT Corp
Construction of the Mutiara Line Penang LRT project is on track, according to MRT Corp.
21-04-2025
Penang LRT: Nine “Park and Ride” Facilities With 1,100 Parking Space
Penang LRT line to offer 1,100 parking spaces at nine "Park and Ride” Facilities.
27-11-2024
Latest News
Are Toll Freezes Draining Taxpayers’ Money?
Are Toll Freezes Draining Taxpayers’ Money? Experts say billions paid in compensation suggest so.
06-01-2026
Viral: Singapore Car ‘Disguised’ as a Malaysian Car Caught Pumping RON95
Singapore-registered vehicle caught ‘disguised’ as a Malaysian-registered car caught pumping subsidised RON95 petrol in Malaysia.
06-01-2026
2026 Proton Saga Sales Surpasses 10,000 Units
2026 Proton Saga sales have surpassed 10,000 units mark, with 7,975 units shifted in Dec 2025 alone.
05-01-2026
KTMB Targets 1.2 Million ETS3 Passengers in 2026, MySawasdee Service Resumes
KTMB targets 1.2 million passengers for its new ETS3 this year, while the MySawasdee train service to Hatyai now resumes.
05-01-2026
Puspakom GiCheck Goes Live – Booking Fee Up From RM3.50 to RM5
Puspakom launches GiCheck site and app, brings new mySIKAP integrated booking platform, but processing fee now up to RM5.
05-01-2026
BESRAYA KM9.5 U-Turn Closed for Six Months
BESRAYA has closed the KM9.5 U-turn in both directions for six months to ease congestion and improve traffic flow.
05-01-2026
Proton Shifted 157,976 Units In 2025, Charts 3.3% Growth & New Export Record
Proton closes 2025 on a high by shifting 157,976 units, logging a 3.3% growth plus a new export record.
02-01-2026
Prasarana Moved 1.54 Million People on New Year’s Eve
Prasarana moved 1.54 million people on New Year’s Eve, marking its highest single-day ridership.
02-01-2026
Show More
trending_flat