The traffic in Klang Valley, especially in this transition into endemicity, is NO JOKE. Some of us have no choice but to go through the hectic traffic while commuting to, and back from work.
Recently, a lecturer from UiTM said that people who stay in Klang Valley spend about 44 hours per month in traffic alone.
“Klang Valley drivers have no choice except to spend 1-2 hours in traffic alone.”
The lecturer, Ts Dr Ismaniza Ismail pointed out that most of the people who are commuting to work have to start their journey earlier in the morning and leave the office earlier in the evening just for the sake of avoiding the hectic traffic.
She added that even if one manages to work 8 hours per day, an additional one to two hours is already spent in traffic.
Emotional damage!
The traffic congestion in Klang Valley is not only time-consuming but it’s also harming the affected drivers, emotionally & physically.
“The stress and pressure of getting caught in traffic that isn’t moving can affect our emotions and productivity at work,” she said.
In the meantime, physical harm may also occur, such as back pain after sitting through the traffic for a long time.
WFH again, yay or nay?
Dr Ismaniza then highlighted the implementation of hybrid working which may improve the traffic on the road, thus increasing productivity whilst working from home.
“Of course, the option to work from home does not apply to certain jobs, such as teachers.”
Not everyone will have the luxury to avoid the traffic on a daily basis. Dr Ismaniza believed that the government has a crucial part to play in improving the living standards of the people who have to commute to work.
“They should really invest in upgrading the quality of the public transportation system in our country, and of course, that includes an efficient schedule of the public transport.”
Fellow working class, do you think the implementation of hybrid working will improve the traffic situation? How long do you think you spent daily in the traffic?