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As an academic who studies both economic and social impact, I believe it is necessary to stress the urgent need for mass reform of Sabah’s public transport system.

Public debate being at coffee shop or social media often focused on the poor condition of roads, sometimes described as “Macam di bulan”.

However, there is another critical issue beyond road quality, which is traffic congestion. More than half of Sabah’s workforce are employed in regular 9-to-5 jobs, and many of them live in suburban areas such as Tuaran, Kinarut, and Kota Belud.

With over half of these employees earning less than RM2,000 per month, they cannot afford to live within Kota Kinabalu, which is closer to their workplaces.

This situation creates a daily struggle for many families. Congestion especially along Tuaran and Papar roads forces workers to leave their homes as early as 4a.m, only to arrive at their offices around 7a.m.

As a result, they are forced to buy breakfast outside, spending around RM6-10 per day which adds up over 20-working days in a month. In the evenings, leaving the office at 5p.m but only reaching home by 8p.m, most families resort to dining out since there is no time to cook.

On average, a household of four spends between RM30-50 daily on dinner. This means that a household head may spend between RM700-1200 per month on breakfast and dinner simply because of traffic congestion, not because they prefer eating out.

Although inflation remains moderate at around 2%, indicating stable raw prices, households continue to feel the burden of rising living costs.

A former Malaysian Minister of Economy, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli once commented that Malaysians enjoy eating out which keeps food prices high. While this statement holds some truth, the underlying reality in Sabah is that a poor transport system and severe traffic jams force households to eat outside rather than by choice.

If congestion were reduced, families would have enough time to prepare meals at home and would be able to save more of their income.

Beyond financial strain, traffic congestion also robs people of their well-being. Instead of spending evenings stuck in traffic, individuals could have time to exercise, which contributes to better physical and mental health.

Studies have shown that exercising late at night is less beneficial compared to doing so earlier in the day.

Addressing this issue is therefore not only about lowering living costs but also about improving health, happiness, and overall quality of life.

We are yet to address the issue of the wellbeing of school students who are unable to study and finish their homework because of lack of time.

The next Sabah Government must treat transport reform as a critical priority because traffic congestion is more than an inconvenience, it is an economic and social burden.

The first step is to empower public transport, drawing lessons from Jakarta where dedicated bus lanes allow buses to move freely and efficiently, carrying large numbers of passengers without being trapped in general traffic.

Sabah could replicate this model to provide employees as well as students with an affordable and reliable alternative to private cars. At the same time, the government should raise parking costs in high-density areas so that driving becomes less attractive while public transport appears more financially appealing.

Revenues from parking could be reinvested to improve services. Authorities must also remove bottlenecks at junctions and highway exits, invest in smarter traffic systems, and strictly enforce traffic laws. Illegal roadside parking, which has become a culture in Sabah, must be penalised to prevent further congestion.

Long-term solutions also require serious planning. A comprehensive feasibility study on expanding Sabah’s state-owned rail services should be prioritised, beginning with the most congested corridors such as Papar into Kota Kinabalu.

A modern rail system, supported by efficient buses, would dramatically reduce commuting times and improve quality of life, as proven in other Asian cities. Reforming Sabah’s transport system is not only about reducing traffic. It is about freeing households from unnecessary expenses, improving access to education and health, reducing carbon emissions, and making the state more attractive to investors and tourists.

Without decisive reform, the people of Sabah will remain trapped in a cycle of wasted time, rising costs, and declining wellbeing. With reform, however, Sabah has the chance to create a more efficient economy, a healthier population, and a society where families regain precious time that is now lost on the road.

I strongly urge the next government to take this matter seriously. By committing to comprehensive transport reform, the government can not only ease the financial burden faced by Sabahans but also raise their happiness, improve public health, and uplift the overall standard of living.

This is not a secondary issue to be delayed until later. It is a fundamental step toward building a Sabah that is competitive, sustainable, and fair for its people.

The opportunity is here, and the next government must have the courage to seize it.

Dr Izaan Jamil

Head of Entrepreneurship Research and Development

Faculty of Business Economics and Accountancy

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: Forum@dailyexpress.com.my