KOTA KINABALU: As Sabah prepares for the holy month of Ramadan in March 2025, a study conducted last year by lecturers from Politeknik Kota Kinabalu and University Malaya remains highly relevant.
The study, which surveyed 406 road users, strongly supports implementing a peak-hour truck ban on the Sepanggar KKIP and Tuaran Bypass roads to alleviate traffic congestion.
The study found that a significant 84.5% of respondents identified heavy vehicles as a primary cause of congestion on these critical routes.
There is a strong majority of 79.5% respondents supported implementing a ban during peak hours, citing the potential for reduced congestion, improved travel times, and enhanced safety.
The study identified the most effective restriction times as 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM – periods that align directly with increased traffic during Ramadan as people travel for pre-dawn meals (Sahur) and to break their fast (Iftar).
“The implementation of effective peak hour truck restrictions, aligning with public opinion, could lead to significant improvements in traffic flow and safety, creating more pleasant and enjoyable driving experiences,” noted Anbukkarasu Paramasivam, the corresponding author of the study.
The Sepanggar KKIP and Tuaran Bypass roads are vital arteries connecting Kota Kinabalu to surrounding districts like Tamparuli, Sulaman, Kiulu, and Tuaran.
According to the study, a significant 57.9% of respondents use both roads, with 78.8% traveling these routes daily, underscoring their importance to the region’s commuters.
Recent developments in Kuala Lumpur provide compelling evidence for the effectiveness of such bans.
The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) expanded restrictions on heavy vehicles during peak hours on selected Klang Valley highways, effective February 19, 2025.
This initiative has already shown promising results, with traffic congestion reduced by up to 42% across affected highways.
The North-South Expressway Central Link (NSE) experienced an 18% reduction in congestion during the morning rush on the first day of implementation, and by the afternoon, congestion had dropped by 31% to 42%.
These findings align with police monitoring, which reported a 30% improvement along the NSE during the first day of the restriction.
While there was initial pushback from haulier associations, logistics companies have reacted positively to the ban during engagement sessions.
The success of this policy in Kuala Lumpur underscores its potential to improve peak-hour traffic in Kota Kinabalu.
Implementing a similar ban during Ramadan 2025 could significantly improve traffic flow and safety, aligning with public support and successful examples from other regions.
With Ramadan 2025 approaching, the Sabah State Government has a timely opportunity to address a pressing issue and improve the daily lives of its citizens.
Implementing a well-planned peak-hour truck ban, informed by this local research and the experiences of other cities, would reduce the potential congestion during Ramadan, demonstrating responsive governance and ensuring a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable commuting experience for everyone during this holy month.
The Sabah State Government should act quickly to engage stakeholders, develop a comprehensive plan, and implement this much-needed policy before Ramadan 2025 commences.
By doing so, they can capitalize on the momentum from last year’s study and make a tangible difference in the lives of Sabahans.
By,
Anbukkarasu Paramasivam,
CMILT
Senior Lecturer
Commerce Department
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Polytechnic Kota Kinabalu
And
Dr. Elayaraja Aruchunan
Senior Lecturer
Department of Decision Science
Faculty of Business and Economics
Universiti Malaya
