Rethink how work and mobility are organised

TRAFFIC congestion has long been accepted as part of daily life in the urban sprawl of Klang Valley. Every weekday, millions of cars crawl along highways, consuming not just fuel but time and patience as well.

Due to recent policy changes and rising fuel costs, an important question is gaining momentum: Can this way of living continue?

At the centre of this issue is the Budi95 programme, the government’s targeted fuel subsidy mechanism, which was recently adjusted to 200 litres per month from the original 300 litres. The move, which was initiated following the disruption in global oil and gas supply chains due to the conflict in the Middle East, has immediate effects on ordinary commuters.

For many middle-income earners, once the quota is used up, the cost of getting to work increases significantly. This is especially true in Klang Valley, where, despite improvements, public transport does not yet fully meet the needs of all commuters.

As a result, private cars remain the primary mode of transport, and with rising costs, many are beginning to feel the strain, prompting people to think about their daily travel.

One idea that is re-emerging is carpooling. Past efforts to promote it have had limited success as people prefer the comfort and privacy of driving alone. Concerns about safety and coordination have also been barriers.

But today’s situation may be different. With fuel prices rising and subsidies capped, the financial benefits of sharing a ride are becoming harder to ignore.

Unlike previous campaigns that focused on environmental benefits, the current motivation is more immediate – saving money.

Technology in the form of mobile apps can be used to make carpooling more practical. With such apps, what used to be informal arrangements among colleagues or neighbours could evolve into more structured and reliable systems if properly supported.

Still, carpooling alone cannot solve the broader challenges of congestion and fuel dependency. It needs to be part of a larger rethink of how work and mobility are organised. This brings attention to another idea that’s gaining interest – the four-day working week.

Reducing the workweek from five days to four could significantly cut down the number of daily commutes.

For workers, it means savings on fuel, toll and parking, along with more personal time.

Of course, industries like manufacturing, retail and essential services, including the media, operate differently. However, for many office-based roles, the experience during the Covid-19 pandemic has shown that flexible arrangements are possible.

Beyond logistics, there is also a cultural aspect to consider. In Malaysia, owning a car is often linked to independence and personal status. Encouraging people to share rides or reduce commuting days requires a shift not just in habits but also in mindset.

This is where policy support becomes important. Measures such as dedicated carpool lanes, reduced toll rates for shared vehicles or providing incentives for companies adopting flexible work arrangements could help drive change.

At the same time, continued investment in public transport remains essential. Carpooling should support, not replace, broader mobility solutions.

Ultimately, rising fuel costs and subsidy changes may succeed in changing behaviour where earlier efforts did not. When necessity meets opportunity, people are more willing to adapt.

The Klang Valley, as the country’s economic centre, is well positioned to lead this transition. If carpooling can be reshaped to fit modern lifestyles, and if employers are open to rethinking traditional work patterns, it could set an example for the rest of the country.

PROF DR ALI SALMAN

Universiti of Malaya-Wales

Kuala Lumpur