Mohd Noorazam (right) trying out an electric scooter during the ‘JB Car-Free Morning’ programme in the city centre.
Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) has called on the Federal Government to create regulations and policies for the use of micromobility vehicles.
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said having such policies would make it easier for everyone, including MBJB, to allow the use of micromobility vehicles.
“There are obstacles for micromobility service providers due to existing laws, as there are various authorities managing roads.
“So, there must be regulations or a policy to make it easier to manage and operate micromobility vehicles,” he told StarMetro.
Mohd Noorazam said that under the MBJB 2025 Low-Carbon Action Plan, especially Action Plan 1 on integrated green transportation, the city council was focusing on projects to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
“In this context, micromobility services support the low-carbon agenda in Johor Baru.
“Additionally, such vehicles can reduce reliance on cars for short trips, helping to ease traffic congestion in the city centre,” he said.
It was previously reported that micromobility services were regulated under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) by-laws.
The use of vehicles such as mopeds and electric scooters is outlined in the Road Traffic Rules (Prohibition of the Use of Certain Micromobility Vehicles) 2021 of the Act.
Mohd Noorazam said a micromobility service provider had been providing electric scooter services in several key locations, including public parks in the city.
“The provider has proposed other areas for operation, subject to approval from MBJB.
“The city council is committed to the green agenda in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria and is ready to work with all parties to achieve this,” he added.
When contacted, Pasir Gudang mayor Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman said the city council had yet to decide whether to introduce micromobility vehicles.
“Pasir Gudang has a high rate of vandalism, so we must address this with awareness and education first,” said Asman Shah.
He acknowledged the benefits of micromobility services as seen in Johor Baru, and expressed interest in adopting similar solutions but stressed the importance of a tailored approach for Pasir Gudang.
“Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) can follow MBJB’s lead but may need a different approach, such as allowing these vehicles only in public parks.”
He said the market for micromobility solutions in Pasir Gudang at the moment was limited, “so we need to think this through carefully.”
He added that decisions made would have to prioritise the city’s unique challenges in ensuring a successful and sustainable adoption of micromobility.
“MBPG’s goal is to support sustainable transportation in Pasir Gudang, but we must proceed carefully,” said Asman Shah.
