Residents of Kim Teng Park in Johor Baru have raised concerns over worsening traffic congestion caused by illegal parking and an increase in heavy vehicles linked to ongoing construction projects in the area. The neighbourhood, one of the city’s oldest housing estates, has experienced growing difficulties as development activities, including mass rapid transit railway construction, intensify.

Locals report that indiscriminate roadside parking has long been an issue, but recent closures of nearby access roads, such as Jalan Storey, have compounded the problem. With this main road closed, many motorists are rerouting through Kim Teng Park, significantly increasing traffic volumes on its narrow streets. Accountant P. Alma Gomez, 41, described prolonged standstills common for residents trying to leave the area, adding that vehicles parked on both sides of junctions obstruct drivers’ visibility and create safety hazards.

“Inevitably, the illegal parking makes traffic worse,” she said during a recent meeting with Johor Baru MP and Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. The minister acknowledged the residents’ frustrations and committed to engaging with the Johor Baru City Council and Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation to seek solutions that balance infrastructure development with residents’ quality of life.

Apart from traffic challenges, residents also cited noise and dust pollution resulting from the construction work. Retiree Ng Gek Heng, 79, noted the exacerbation of these issues during the current haze period, which has forced her to limit ventilation at home due to dust accumulation. She also remarked on construction noise that often extends into late hours, disrupting daily life.

Local association chairman Danial Danial confirmed that vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, are frequently left parked along the streets for extended periods. Another resident, 64-year-old Lokman Hakim, pointed out that many of these vehicles belong to workers commuting to Singapore who park in the area while on shift, retrieving their vehicles only after work. The heavy presence of lorries transporting construction materials has further complicated driving conditions.

Addressing these concerns, Akmal Nasrullah emphasized the need to minimize disruption amid ongoing development. “While it is important to complete projects on schedule, we must also ensure they do not adversely impact residents’ daily lives,” he said, indicating plans to convene relevant authorities to discuss mitigative measures.

The situation in Kim Teng Park underscores the broader challenges urban communities face as infrastructure development accelerates, highlighting the need for coordinated planning to manage traffic flow and environmental consequences.