PMX: No Congestion Charges Yet, Public Transport Must Improve First

The government has no plans, for now, to introduce a congestion charge for private vehicles entering city centres - a move already adopted in several countries. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said such a step could burden the public at this stage.

However, he acknowledged that the measure may be necessary in the future once Malaysia’s public transport system becomes more comprehensive and efficient, especially in major urban areas.

Anwar recalled similar efforts attempted in the 1990s, which failed due to poor bus services that left commuters stuck in long queues, cramped vehicles, and uncomfortable conditions.

“Back then, people had to queue under the hot sun, buses were overcrowded, and the routes were inconvenient. But today, the situation has changed. Public transport is more comfortable and better organised,” he said.

He made the remarks while officiating the new Gombak Integrated Terminal (TBG), alongside Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s push to encourage greater public transport use, particularly once the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project is completed.

“The ECRL will have many stations. It can only be fully maximised if we provide not just advanced technology, but complete infrastructure that meets people’s needs,” he stressed.

Anwar suggested that ECRL stations should include shops, restaurants, hotels, and even government service counters such as Immigration, the National Registration Department (JPN) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to better serve the public.