Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is urged to implement AI-powered smart traffic light systems to combat rising traffic congestion and improve road safety especially around the State Capital.
Likas Assemblyman Tham Yun Fook called on the government to take prompt actions in reassessing whether the current traffic management system here is keeping pace with the needs of a rapidly developing city.
Following a fatal accident in the Likas area last Sunday (Aug 16), he said the incident served as a reminder that road safety and traffic management in the city required greater attention.
“I also would like to take this opportunity to remind the public, especially netizens to respect victims’ families and not speculate any conclusions, online or offline, as police investigation is still ongoing,” he said while expressing his condolences to the family members of the victims.
Tham stressed that Kota Kinabalu, as the economic hub and capital of Sabah, deserves the same world-class infrastructure currently being deployed in Peninsular Malaysia as he pointed out that Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim repeatedly said that Sabah must not be neglected.
“If the Prime Minister is serious in his words then this principle must be translated into concrete and tangible action to show the people that the Madani Government believes in development equality for all states in Malaysia.
“For example, look at Putrajaya, where the federal administrative centre is transitioning to an advanced AI-based traffic management system.
“Advanced technology such as using Video Analytics cameras and smart infrastructure development must not be concentrated only in Putrajaya and major cities in Peninsular Malaysia but also in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
The Warisan representative proposed that Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), the Public Works Department (JKR), and the State Government conduct a comprehensive assessment of critical intersections throughout Kota Kinabalu.
“Rather than implementing the system across the entire city immediately, they should start with pilot projects at selected high-risk intersections such as Likas, Inanam, Jalan Tuaran and other major routes before expanding the technology based on effectiveness and results.
“For a rapid developing city like Kota Kinabalu, our traffic management must also evolve from conventional methods towards smart, data-driven and real-time solutions,” he said. He urged the relevant authorities to view AI-powered traffic systems not only as a solution for congestion, but as part of a wider strategy to transform Sabah’s State Capital into a safer, smarter and more efficient city.
