KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — The government has no plans to impose charges on private vehicles entering city areas as it may burden the people, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said such a step was not suitable to be implemented in the near future because the comprehensive public transport infrastructure is still under development.
“In some countries, to encourage the use of public transport, they impose charges on other (private) vehicles entering the city.
“We are not proposing that for now, as we feel it may be burdensome,” he said at the launch of the Gombak Integrated Terminal (TBG) here today.
Anwar said the current priority is to develop a comprehensive, integrated and people-friendly public transport network in line with Malaysia Madani principles.
He added that facilities such as TBG are not just physical in nature but part of a comprehensive approach to provide multipurpose amenities for the people.
“You know that this project has been delayed for so long and is now finally completed… We have suffered losses for several years… The entire government machinery and workers at this stage must accelerate efforts to expedite the use of public facilities.
“This means that within the framework of our Madani nation, we must strengthen necessary structures and readiness while focusing on current needs, without losing sight of ensuring the benefits reach the wider public.
“The facility is quite comprehensive… Now we are coordinating. The question is how we can make major stations like this provide diverse facilities for the people,” he said.
TBG, which operates 24/7 as a transit hub for travel across Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Hat Yai in Thailand, can accommodate up to 1,500 bus trips and 52,000 users daily.
It has seven floors with more than 140 rental lots, including a wedding hall and a sports centre, and 1,200 car parking bays.
Commenting on public complaints about the cost of public transport, Anwar said new facilities naturally require high maintenance expenses.
He said people must take into account the overall cost comparison, including fuel, toll, and parking, rather than just the cost of public transport alone.
“The usage cost is somewhat higher because the facility is new, advanced, and the infrastructure entails costs, especially maintenance costs, which are expected to increase,” he said.
He also reminded the people of the importance of a change in civic culture so public facilities are not damaged due to irresponsible behaviour.
“If our culture remains tied to old habits, like littering carelessly… it will be burdensome, meaning a change of attitude is essential.
“Start with advice, instilling values, awareness programmes — but at times, there must also be action and penalties,” Anwar said.
