Implement Tram System to Ease KL Traffic, Says Gulam

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur should consider implementing a tram system in selected areas of the city as a long-term measure to reduce traffic congestion, says UMNO Batu division chief Gulam Muszaffar.

He said the proposal, which was raised during the administration of former Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor in 2016, should be revisited as part of efforts to address Kuala Lumpur’s worsening traffic problems.

Gulam said a tram system could potentially reduce traffic congestion by between 30 and 40 per cent if properly planned and implemented in strategic areas.

He described trams as a relatively affordable and practical public transport option, with the potential to reduce pollution while complementing the city’s existing infrastructure and urban landscape.

“Instead of merely conducting another six-month traffic flow study, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) should also revisit proposals that could provide a more long-term solution to the city’s traffic problems,” he said in a statement today.

Gulam was responding to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok’s call for DBKL to study traffic problems in her constituency, following feedback from the Kuala Lumpur mayor during a recent town hall session in Bangsar.

The mayor had reportedly proposed a six-month traffic flow study to assess the capacity of existing roads, infrastructure and utilities amid rapid development in Kuala Lumpur.

Gulam also questioned the status of the Bangun KL Initiative, particularly a proposal introduced by the Federal Territories Minister in April to encourage city workers to start their working day earlier by offering discounted coffee during early morning or peak hours.

He said DBKL and the Federal Territories Department should conduct an impact assessment to determine whether the initiative had actually succeeded in reducing traffic congestion nearly six months after its launch.

“The people of Kuala Lumpur also want to know whether the initiative has been successful or not.
“What is certain is that the owner of the Zus Coffee chain has benefited,” he said, in an apparent reference to the discounted coffee promotion.

Gulam said the findings of any assessment should be made public so that Kuala Lumpur residents could evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative.

“DBKL and the Federal Territories Department should also conduct a study on the impact and effectiveness of the Bangun KL Initiative after almost six months of implementation.

“Please share the findings with the public,” he said.
He added that traffic congestion required more comprehensive solutions rather than relying solely on short-term measures or repeated traffic studies.

“The tram proposal is an idea worth revisiting as it could provide a cleaner, cheaper and more practical alternative for selected routes in Kuala Lumpur without compromising the city’s aesthetics,” he said.