AS an RA representative, we read with amusement and worrying concern with the current post PJDL mud-slinging between Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin and Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung.

We know Lee is action-oriented – he has proven he cares for the community, with his actions of “turun padang”, in the last one year in office, for example, riding on motorbike on Federal Highway, solving walkway bike paths and hazards, and many more. 

Taman Medan, of PJS, is known for its vibrant community but also faces challenges, particularly in transportation infrastructure. Known as the “poverty belt” community, it’s a predominantly Malay area, comprising B40 folk. 

Due to poor roads and connectivity, it has been struggling with traffic congestion, limited public transport options, leading to inconvenience for residents and hindering economic development. 

Current political issues hurled by Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif against Petaling Jaya MP Lee, is not practical in the sense that Dr Afif doesn’t really know the PJDL alignment. 

Addressing traffic issues

Why create an issue for 2.5km of area, by damaging 25+km? That’s madness. What we RAs suggest to the community, is to provide a “proposed integrated public bus transport system”.

This is not just for Taman Medan/PJS, but it can start with the most critical locations in Taman Medan (since this is a high priority issue to be solved). For this, MBPJ’s Infra management and other SME expertise will help. 

Traffic congestion has been a persistent problem in Taman Medan, adversely affecting residents’ daily lives and impeding business activities. 

Quick win remedy – utilising existing resources

The proposed integrated public bus transport system offers a viable solution by providing efficient and reliable transportation services. 

By utilising small-type school buses and implementing a 5-minute interval schedule, the system ensures frequent and accessible transportation for all commuters, thereby reducing the reliance on private vehicles and alleviating traffic congestion in the area.

By leveraging on the current capacity of available drivers and vehicles, this simple system revolutionizes transportation. Frequency must be within five-minutes waiting time. Also, there should be no need for any app, but proper bus stops and signages.

Anyone can commute, ride on these vehicles, and bus-stops will be set along the Seri Setia, Taman Medan, all the way to Old Klang Road suitable routes.  Minimised costs, time and less road usage by private vehicles, also provide employment opportunities for local residents. 

Enhancing accessibility – inner road routes

School bus drivers, already familiar with the area, can seamlessly transition to serving the broader community, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation of the transport system.

As accessibility is crucial, a system that can enhance accessibility by connecting Taman Medan to key destinations, including Seri Setia and Kuala Lumpur, will be necessary. 

These bus services must be regular, reliable and should enable residents to access employment opportunities, education facilities, healthcare services, and recreational activities more easily. 

Transitioning to future solutions

It should not be a one time project, but later on expand towards the integrated DRT and ART model that the Selangor government has been touting, with transitional solution towards implementation of the planned ART (autonomous rapid transit) system in 2025 (which should be government-funded).

This improved accessibility can stimulate economic activity in the area and enhance overall community well-being, while waiting for MBPJ to draft and design new flyovers at Jalan Templer (which has been a pain in the neck for decades). For this, it will take at least one to two years. 

Therefore, this cost-effective project will greatly reduce the over 1,000 vehicles by introducing these over 200 buses – assuming a bus carries 10 pax average. 

Conclusion

We resident associations hope both Petaling Jaya MP Lee, Taman Medan assemblyman Dr Afif, our respected MBPJ local council directors, and talented professional transport consultants will immediately consider this or a similar type of proposal useful as a POC (proof of concept) as soon as possible. – April 24, 2024

* Michael Kum is Resident Association Section 20 PJ secretary.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.