Kepayan rep seeks solution for Penampang, KK traffic woes

 By Olivia Miwil - April 13, 2021 @ 11:12am

A general view of the traffic situation in Penampang. - Piccourtesy of Jannie Lasimbang

PENAMPANG: The government including the local authorities need to resolve the city's ongoing traffic woes as it could affect the people's mental health.

Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang said traffic congestion here and Kota Kinabalu has been a concern to residents and becoming a critical issue as schools and businesses resume.

"Traffic congestion wastes time that could have been spent at home with family or for other productive things.

"Such a situation (traffic woes) has affected the quality of life in urban areas and has made it a cause of stress and (which leads to) poor mental health for residents," she said in a statement.

Jannie added that the government should intervene and look into traffic management, public transportation and parking solutions.

She said it was also necessary to improve traffic control systems for transportation management.

Jannie pointed out at the limited parking spaces available at commercial centres such as Donggongon, Kepayan Square and Lido, which meant motorists would have to spend more time on the road searching for parking spots.

She reminded the authorities not to merely resort to construction projects, such as widening of roads as the only solution to the problem.

"The government must look into increasing and ensuring efficient public transportation to reduce the number of vehicles on our roads.

"Local authorities should also consider providing free shuttle services during market days in Donggongon and Lido, while schools should engage parents to arrange bus services for their children."

Jannie also suggested for the government to promote the use of public transportation, staggered office working hours or encourage work-from-home practices and good driving ethics.