Gridlock: The silent killer of tourism

WHAT truly kills tourism? That is a pertinent question now that the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign is well underway.

While some may argue that insufficient promotion is the primary culprit, others might point to global economic uncertainty influencing travel decisions.

But an often overlooked factor is simply traffic congestion.

The logic is straightforward: the longer tourists remain stuck in traffic, the less time they spend visiting attractions. Consequently, fewer ringgit flow into the pockets of local businesses.

In many popular destinations worldwide, traffic strain is increasingly becoming a major deterrent.

Last year, I visited Bali, the Indonesian island. Though it is undeniably charming and rich in cultural appeal, local traffic was a nightmare.

Upon landing, it took me more than 90 minutes to travel from Ngurah Rai International Airport to the town of Ubud, despite the distance being less than 40km.

The sheer volume of vehicles, coupled with narrow roads, made the journey particularly unpleasant.

While I have considered returning, the thought of facing that gridlock again is off-putting.

Unfortunately, Bali is not the only destination with jammed roads.

In November 2023, I faced similar frustrations during a work trip to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The city stands as a shining jewel of modernity in the Arabian desert, yet its traffic snarls have gone from bad to worse in recent years.

I had an equally upsetting experience in Bangkok last December while covering the SEA Games.

Travelling between my hotel and the various venues was so time-consuming that, by the time I reached my destination, I was no longer in the mood for sightseeing, let alone shopping for souvenirs.

Many places in Malaysia are currently no better. One only has to look at the gridlock surrounding Bukit Jalil National Stadium during sporting events or concerts featuring international artists.

Meanwhile, MEX Highway — the preferred route linking our airport with Kuala Lumpur — is frequently congested.

During peak hours, it can take nearly two hours to travel from Putrajaya or Cyberjaya to the city centre.

Within the capital itself, where the majority of foreign tourists are concentrated, traffic is equally stifling and worsens significantly when it rains, bringing the added threats of flash floods and falling trees.

These problems do more than just frustrate commuters; they deter future visitors and give those who have already been here second thoughts about returning.

A city remembered primarily for its gridlock is unlikely to inspire repeat visits.

To address this, we must first recognise that urban planning and the tourism sector should go hand in hand.

A car-centric development plan is no longer attractive, and efforts to diversify modes of transportation must be intensified.

The move by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd to extend the operating hours of its trains and buses during peak seasons is a positive start, but more should be done to enhance first-mile and last-mile connectivity.

City planners must incorporate designs that allow for alternative modes of travel, thereby reducing our heavy dependency on motorised vehicles.

A friend recently pointed out how trishaws serve as both a charming attraction and practical means of short-distance travel.

However, many cities have failed to provide the facilities to accommodate them, causing these alternative options to fall out of fashion, though they still endure in parts of Melaka and Penang.

Encouragingly, the Kelantan government recently announced a review of its trishaw services, aimed at rebranding them as a tourism icon.

Similarly, in Kuching, people still use traditional boat services, charging just RM1 per trip, to cross Sungai Sarawak and move between the uptown area and villages near the state government building.

For those who prefer walking, the Darul Hana pedestrian bridge doubles as both a convenient crossing and a popular photo spot.

These traditional modes of transport are not only more affordable but also environmentally friendly, offering lower carbon emissions and noise levels.

These qualities are vital as we welcome visitors this year. Tourists should spend their time and money discovering the best of what Malaysia has to offer, rather than counting the minutes it takes to reach their destination.

Ultimately, hospitality is about more than just attractions and cultural offerings; it encompasses the ease of the journey between them.