SHAH ALAM - An opposition MP has urged the government to consider abolishing the Gombak and Karak Toll Plazas to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly on the East Coast Highway.
Kubang Kerian MP Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man highlighted the worsening traffic situation nationwide, especially near toll plazas.
"The East Coast Highway, for example, has four toll plazas that force drivers to stop: Gombak, Bentong, Karak, and the exit plazas," he said during the royal address debate in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Tuan Ibrahim proposed a two-pronged approach to ease the burden on highway users:
Entry/exit system: Implement a system where drivers only pay tolls upon entering and exiting the highway.
Toll plaza removal: Abolish the Gombak and Karak Toll Plazas entirely, as they contribute to traffic slowdowns and congestion.
He further urged authorities to re-evaluate the timing of road repairs to minimise user inconvenience.
"Returning from Kota Bharu yesterday, I encountered road repairs on a bridge in Kemaman during peak hours.
"Patching a small section could have been done outside peak traffic periods.
"The government should ensure roadworks are scheduled to avoid causing unnecessary congestion," he said.