JOHOR BARU, Malaysia: Several hundred thousand residents within the designated Iskandar Malaysia project area will have to brace for massive traffic jams when road works involving 14 projects kick off next year.

The RM4.62bil ($1.91bil) infrastructure projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plam (9MP) will involve various areas in five flagship zones in Iskandar, including Johor Baru City Centre, Nusajaya, Western Gate Development, Eastern Gate Development and Senai.

Senai International Airport, Sultanah Aminah Hospital, hotels, schools and residential areas are expected to be affected.

The projects, which will commence simultaneously, will continue until 2011.

Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) executive director Harun Johari, while acknowledging the inconvenience to motorists, said such development projects could not be staggered.

"If we do it in stages, it may take up to six years. People will not be able to wait that long and furthermore, we have had comments from investors who want better infrastructure," he said.

"It will be inconvenient in the beginning but in the long run, the infrastructure projects will help in Johor's development," he added.

Harun was speaking to reporters at a special media briefing on the projects under the 9MP.

Irda's strategic communications senior vice-president Nasser Ismail, in his presentation, said a traffic committee had been formed, with the Johor Baru City Council and police heading it.

A hotline is expected to be set up for people to get quick information on the projects, while updates will also be posted on the IRDA website, www.iskandarmalaysia.com.my.