Employees In Klang Valley Spend 44 Hours A Month Stuck In Traffic!

It is estimated that Klang Valley workers spend at least 44 hours per month stuck in traffic.

Commuters spend about an hour or two on the road each day, according to Dr Ismaniza Ismail, senior lecturer at the School of Chemistry and Environment in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Universiti Teknologi Mara.

"Think about how much time is wasted every day due to traffic." This also has an impact on their work productivity.

"If the average hourly wage is RM7, multiplied by two hours over 22 working days, the productivity loss 

on the road is estimated to be RM308 per month."

She went on to say that severe traffic problems can have an impact on employees' physical, emotional, and mental health

"Stress from being stuck in traffic can disrupt emotions and productivity, affecting the work environment."

"Sitting in a car for too long can also cause back pain."

Dr. Ismaniza suggested that flexible working hours be considered to reduce congestion and increase work productivity.

She also stated that the authorities should improve the quality of existing public transportation services by expanding the network of routes.

Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Faculty of Medicine community health expert Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh stated that spending too much time in a vehicle reduces an individual's time to engage in physical activities.

"This may be related to other issues such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease." Stress causes increased aggression, nervousness, and heartache in some people.

"It can also aggravate allergies, cause breathing difficulties, and disrupt sleep."

According to Dr. Sharifa Ezat, those stuck in heavy traffic may experience headaches, numbness in the neck and waist area, leg pain, dizziness, and nausea.

People with heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer, among other conditions, may find their conditions worsen if they are stuck in traffic for an extended period of time, according to her.

"This is due to the fact that road congestion increases air pollution, exposing them to the pollutants."

"Indirectly, it raises the risk of blood vessel narrowing, chest pain, heart attacks, and strokes."

She claims that the rate of air pollution is highest in congested areas and at traffic light intersections because vehicle smoke accumulates where there is no air movement.

"Smoking or vaping in vehicles is not recommended due to insufficient ventilation.

"While stuck in traffic, do some light stretching exercises or listen to music to relax your mind," she suggests.