Ramli Amir, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
Kota Kinabalu serves as a pivotal hub for trade and transportation in the region. The city’s economic growth is closely linked to the efficiency of its infrastructure and public transport systems.
Trade Facilitation
Efficient trade is vital for Kota Kinabalu’s economic development. The city’s ports, particularly the Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) as well as the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), play a crucial role in handling cargo and connecting Sabah to international markets. Efforts are underway to expand and modernise SBCP to enhance its capacity and efficiency, with the aim of transforming it into a regional trade hub. This development is expected to improve connectivity within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
In addition to port enhancements, the establishment of the Sabah Logistics Council (SLC) aims to address logistical challenges by improving infrastructure and developing policies that promote sector growth. Investments in cold chain logistics, such as those at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, support the storage and transportation of perishable goods, expanding trade opportunities in sectors like agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
Road Infrastructure
The city’s internal roads, maintained by the Sabah Public Works Department, connect various districts and suburbs, facilitating movement within Kota Kinabalu. Major roads, such as the Lintas-Tuaran Bypass, act almost as a ring road, linking areas like Putatan, Penampang, Luyang, Likas, Inanam, Menggatal, Sapangar, and Tuaran. These dual carriageways are crucial for daily commutes and local trade.
Kota Kinabalu is also connected by federal highways to other towns in Sabah, including routes to Tamparuli, Kudat, Ranau, Sandakan, Tawau, and Keningau. These highways are crucial for intercity travel and the transportation of goods, supporting both local and regional commerce.
Despite this extensive network, traffic congestion remains a significant issue, particularly during peak hours. A survey conducted in 2024 revealed that many commuters experience daily traffic delays, with some delays exceeding 90 minutes. Areas such as the Sulaman > KKIP Sapangar > UMS route and Jalan Tuaran Bypass are among the most congested.
Public Transportation
Kota Kinabalu offers various public transport options, including regular bus services and minibuses. The city centre houses two main bus terminals: one along Jalan Tun Razak, providing services to different parts of the city and its outskirts, and another near Bandaran Berjaya, offering intercity services to its outlying districts. Additionally, the North Kota Kinabalu Bus Terminal in Inanam serves intercity buses heading north and northeast.
The Sabah State Railway, established in 1896, connects Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu to Tenom and several towns in between. It is the only railway system operating in East Malaysia, providing daily services for commuters, travellers, and cargo transportation. A separate company operates a leisure tour, known as the North Borneo Railway, which caters primarily to tourists.
However, the public transportation system faces challenges, including increasing private vehicle ownership, inefficient bus services, lack of integration among different transport modes, and severe traffic congestion. These issues contribute to the declining reliability and appeal of public transport, prompting many residents to opt for private vehicles.
Urban Form and Its Implications
Kota Kinabalu’s urban development exhibits characteristics of a linear city, with expansion primarily along the coastal axis. This urban form presents both benefits and challenges concerning trade and transportation.
The linear arrangement facilitates straightforward transportation routes parallel to the coastline, improving access to key areas and potentially reducing travel times. A linear city layout can lead to the clustering of commercial and industrial zones along major thoroughfares, streamlining logistics and distribution processes. The development of public transportation systems, such as the proposed Kota Kinabalu Line, may be more feasible along a linear corridor, potentially easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity.
However, the concentration of activities along linear routes can lead to significant traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, as observed in Kota Kinabalu. The linear development along the coast restricts the city’s capacity to expand inland, potentially leading to overcrowding and increased property costs in central areas. A linear urban form can place excessive demand on existing infrastructure, necessitating continuous upgrades to accommodate growth, which may strain public resources.
Additional Challenges from Suburban Traffic Inflows
Kota Kinabalu’s linear urban form faces further challenges due to traffic inflows from the north, south, and eastern suburban areas.
Converging traffic from multiple suburban directions onto the linear city’s main thoroughfares exacerbates congestion, particularly during peak hours. This convergence leads to bottlenecks, increasing travel times and reducing overall transportation efficiency.
The concentration of traffic from various suburban areas places additional pressure on existing road networks and public transport systems. This strain can accelerate infrastructure deterioration and necessitate more frequent maintenance, impacting the city’s budget and resources.
A linear city layout may offer fewer alternative pathways for distributing traffic effectively. With major routes becoming congested, the lack of secondary roads can hinder efficient traffic dispersion, leading to increased congestion on primary arteries.
Coordinating public transport services to accommodate traffic from multiple suburban areas into a linear urban form can be complex. Ensuring timely and efficient services that meet the needs of residents in diverse suburban regions requires meticulous planning and resource allocation.
Recommendations for Improvement
To enhance Kota Kinabalu’s transportation infrastructure, implementing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a strategic approach that can yield significant benefits. TOD focuses on creating compact, walkable communities centred around high-quality public transport systems. By integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within close proximity to transit stations, TOD encourages the use of public transportation, reduces reliance on private vehicles, and promotes sustainable urban growth.
Key components of TOD include mixed-use development, which combines housing, workplaces, and amenities in a single area, fostering vibrant neighbourhoods and reducing the need for long commutes. Pedestrian-friendly design is also essential, with safe and accessible pathways that encourage walking and cycling, thus enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. Additionally, TOD often incorporates green spaces and affordable housing options to promote inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
The benefits of adopting TOD in Kota Kinabalu are multifaceted. Environmentally, it can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality by decreasing the number of private vehicles on the road. Economically, TOD can stimulate local businesses, increase property values, and create job opportunities. Socially, it enhances access to essential services, promotes social inclusion, and fosters a sense of community among residents.
However, implementing TOD also presents challenges. Securing funding for such projects can be a significant obstacle, as the costs associated with land acquisition, infrastructure development, and ongoing maintenance are substantial. Community resistance may arise due to concerns about increased density or changes in neighbourhood character. Additionally, outdated zoning regulations can impede the development of transit-oriented infrastructure.
To successfully implement TOD in Kota Kinabalu, a collaborative approach involving urban planners, government agencies, developers, and the local community is essential. This includes updating zoning laws to support higher-density development near transit stations, investing in high-quality public transport services, and engaging with residents to address concerns and ensure that developments meet the needs of the community. By embracing TOD principles, Kota Kinabalu can move towards a more sustainable, efficient, and liveable urban environment.
This article was received via email from [email protected]. The editor has made adjustments for clarity and readability.
