Pulai Traffic Woes: Johor Takes Swift Action, Focuses On Comprehensive Solutions - MB

JOHOR BAHRU, May 1 (Bernama) -- The Johor government has taken immediate steps to address the worsening traffic congestion in the Pulai area, with several solutions identified to ensure smoother traffic flow.

Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the measures were agreed upon following a site visit by the state Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh and Kota Iskandar assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad to the location two days ago.

Following public complaints, he also visited the site and said the state government is examining the root causes of the congestion and coordinating comprehensive solutions.

According to him, as a short-term measure, the police will assist in managing traffic from 6 am to 10 pm to ease vehicle movement in the affected area.

“In addition, interlocking replacement works are being expedited on a 24-hour basis over five days, so that the affected lanes can be reopened, alongside the implementation of a more structured Traffic Management Plan (TMP) to ensure traffic movement remains safe,” he said in a Facebook post.

Onn Hafiz said the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) will upgrade six traffic lights to a smart traffic light system to improve traffic flow along Jalan Pontian, with completion expected within a week.

Meanwhile, as a medium-term measure, the entry slip road to Taman Pulai Jaya from the Pontian direction, as well as the exit slip road to Jalan Pontian heading towards Taman Sri Pulai, will be closed, while an alternative route to the highway from Taman Pulai Emas will be opened.

He said that at the same time, the traffic lights at the exit towards Taman Sri Pulai will be upgraded into a roundabout near the highway exit, in addition to the widening of existing roads in Pulai Jaya to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles.

Onn Hafiz said that for the long term, the state government, together with relevant agencies, is studying several proposals, including the opening of alternative routes through Taman Teratai and Taman Sri Pulai.

He added that plans are also being considered for the construction of a route from Pulai Jaya to Pulai Duta up to Nusa Bayu in collaboration with developers, as well as the widening of the FT005 route, which is currently in the traffic study phase.

Meanwhile, he also reminded all parties involved to ensure that every project is carefully planned and well-coordinated from the outset.

“Do not wait until problems arise before taking coordinated action, as ultimately it is the people who bear the consequences,” he said.

He said the efforts are expected to help improve the daily movement of residents and reduce traffic congestion, while enhancing comfort and safety for road users.

The issue of traffic congestion in Pulai had previously been highlighted by residents in the area through posts on the social media platform Threads, with many calling on the state government to take immediate action.

-- BERNAMA