Cover image via Kwong Wah Yit Poh / Edisi Viral
A PKR assemblyman in Penang has proposed charging a fee on outstation vehicles entering the island to reduce traffic congestion
Jason Ong, assemblyman of Kebun Bunga, presented his proposal during a debate on the state's 2019 Budget on Tuesday, 13 November.
"I would like to propose that a charge be imposed on all vehicles that are not registered in Penang," he said, as quoted by The Malaysian Insight.
Ong explained that the proposed move will reduce the number of vehicles entering Penang, saying that there are now close to a million cars on the island compared to only 300,000 a decade ago
According to Free Malaysia Today, the backbencher said that the levy would help to improve the flow of cars on the island.
"About 10 years ago, we had 300,000 cars on the island. Now it is close to a million. I say let's move people, not cars," he said, as quoted by the news portal.
Image via Kwong Wah Yit Poh
Ong added that imposing the levy could also encourage people to use public transport in Penang
Free Malaysia Today reported that Ong also called for a central interchange to connect buses, taxies, and future rail links in the state.
Image via Penang Hill
