Why do Malaysians still choose to drive despite long holiday jams?

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Malaysians Continue to Drive During Festive Periods Despite Significant Traffic Jams

Many Malaysians opt to drive for their journeys back to their hometowns during festive periods like Chinese New Year, even when faced with extensive traffic congestion. This preference is often driven by a desire for personal mobility throughout the holiday and a calculation of overall costs, particularly when compared to alternative modes of transport such as flying or taking the train. Despite the known challenges of prolonged travel times, the importance of family reunions remains a primary motivator for undertaking these journeys.
The Importance of Family and Personal Mobility

Despite the prospect of enduring hours of traffic, a significant number of families still choose to make the trip to visit loved ones. This underscores the deep-seated value placed on family connections, with individuals willing to tolerate considerable inconvenience, such as spending six hours observing the same vehicle ahead, to reunite with parents and relatives. Furthermore, the ability to maintain personal mobility during the holiday period is cited as a key reason for preferring to drive, offering a sense of freedom and flexibility that other transport options may not provide.
Cost Considerations Versus Alternative Transport

While flying is an option to bypass road congestion, the cost for an entire family often becomes a prohibitive factor. The expense of multiple flight tickets during peak festive seasons can significantly outweigh the perceived savings of driving, making it financially unviable for many households. Similarly, the Electric Train Service (ETS) presents another alternative, but practical difficulties such as issues with the booking website and limited ticket availability make it a less accessible choice for travellers.
Strategies to Mitigate Driving Delays

For those who still choose to drive, certain strategies are employed to mitigate the impact of traffic jams. Some travellers attempt to circumvent the worst congestion by departing extremely early in the morning, even as early as 3 am, although this does not always guarantee a shorter journey. Anecdotal evidence suggests that journeys that would normally take two hours can extend to nine hours. An alternative approach mentioned is to travel on the first day of the holiday itself, as traffic conditions are often remarkably clear on this specific day, offering a smoother travel experience.

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Why do Malaysians still choose to drive despite long holiday jams?

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