Open letter to Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari

Dear YB,

We, the people, endorsed the unity government in the general election. The elected representatives play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Klang Valley. This letter urgently advocates for prioritising public transport in the Klang Valley from 2023 to 2025.

The region is facing challenges related to traffic congestion, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. A report was recently written by well-known traffic consultant Dr Rosli Khan, in which he talks about the deployment of ART hydrogen trams in Kuching in 2025. This is exactly the type of enhanced and integrated public transport system we need in the Klang Valley.

The Klang Valley challenge

We all know that Klang valley is the economic heart of Malaysia. But along with the teeming opportunities, the region comes with crippling traffic congestion, deteriorating air quality, and long commutes. We must secure a sustainable, progressive and development-centric future. The Klang Valley must prioritise public transport in the years 2023-2025.

Inadequate public transport services

We are thankful for Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s report on the Putra LRT line (Kelana Jaya) where waiting time is reduced. But this is a short-term remedy. The fundamental root cause has not been addressed. ,This nation has been obsessed with internal combustion engine vehicle production. We need to find ways to quickly solve root causes where existing transport frameworks can be utilised more efficiently and incrementally push it to the centre stage for commuters to choose as their de facto travel mode. 

Traffic congestion
Daily, we city dwellers suffer unbearable levels, leading to productivity loss, increased fuel consumption, and heightened frustration. Air pollution is at alarming levels, primarily caused by vehicular emissions. Unless we adopt an efficient public transport system (to reduce total operational and ownership costs), highrise buildings will be left without tenants. 

Klang Valley commuters endure long and stressful trips. Perhaps our Kuala Lumpur and Selangor elected representives should organise a field trip on public transport to see how efficient the trips are – via public transport.

Key recommendations

1. Investment in infrastructure.

KL and Selangor must allocate substantial resources to develop and expand public transport infrastructure,  to plan and quickly build new railways, bus routes, transit hubs, promote non-motorised transport options such as cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways.

An excellent report was written by journalist Shahrim Thamrin on how Johor seems to have gotten it right. Isn’t this is exactly what we need for the Klang Valley? 

2. Coordination and governance

Establish a centralised authority responsible for coordinating all aspects of public transport planning, implementation, and operations, with clear governance models able to streamline decision-making and reduce bureaucratic hurdles (get the consultants to work on this), 

3. Public awareness and education 

Immediately launch multiple, comprehensive public awareness campaigns, inform residents about the benefits of public transport, including environmental, economic, and personal advantages, and focus on benefits of reducing traffic congestion.

4. Technological advancements

Invest in state-of-the-art technologies for public transport, such as integrated ticketing systems, real-time information sharing, and traffic management solutions,

5. Sustainable development

Study, integrate land use planning with public transport development to ensure transit hubs are strategically located and connected to residential and commercial areas, with proper sustainable development practices with green spaces. 

Conclusion
The time for action is now. You are our elected Selangor rep to drive the transformation of Klang Valley. Prioritising public transport is not a choice; it is a necessity. We strongly urge your leadership to form a team to take decisive steps to create an efficient, integrated, and sustainable public transport model for all. – September 16, 2023.

* Michael Kum is Resident Association Section 20 PJ secretary.