Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, she said the charge must not be set too low, but high enough to discourage unnecessary road use.

“However, the government also does not want the charges to excessively burden users if it is set too high,” she said in response to Azman Nasrudin (PN-Padang Serai), who asked about the congestion charge mechanism and its projected impact if implemented.

Zaliha said her ministry is studying congestion pricing models used in major cities worldwide, including the use of electronic licence plate readers in New York and Singapore’s electronic road pricing.

“Additionally, there is the congestion charge zone in London, and road space rationing in Jakarta and Beijing.”

Zaliha also echoed transport minister Loke Siew Fook’s stance that the charge should only be enforced once public transport is fully integrated, as many currently prefer driving due to poor connectivity.

“Stakeholder engagement sessions will continue to be held to ensure fair, equitable and effective implementation,” she said.

Zaliha previously said the congestion charge initiative is being studied under the KL Traffic Master Plan 2040 to ease peak-hour gridlock.

She said traffic congestion is costing the economy RM20 billion yearly and improving the public transport system is key to solving the congestion issue.