By Ts Dr. Hj Ramli Amir, former President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and Vice-President of CILT International for Southeast Asia
KOTA KINABALU: In the pursuit of economic development, innovation plays a vital role in addressing challenges and unlocking opportunities. While some advancements stem from groundbreaking inventions, others emerge from rethinking and scaling existing solutions.
The “One to N” formula embodies this latter approach. It focuses on adapting proven concepts (“One”) and applying them to different contexts (“N”), enabling regions to achieve significant progress without the risks and costs associated with developing entirely new systems. This formula is particularly suited for regions with resource constraints, offering a pathway to innovation that emphasizes practicality and cost-effectiveness.
In the context of infrastructure and urban development, the “One to N” formula has shown remarkable success in various parts of the world, particularly in China. By examining these successes, Sabah can draw valuable lessons on how to adopt and scale similar strategies to enhance its own economic development, particularly in addressing transportation challenges in Kota Kinabalu.
Lessons from China: Scaling Success through Adaptation
China’s transformation into an economic powerhouse is a testament to its ability to leverage the “One to N” formula. Rather than focusing solely on creating new technologies, China has excelled at identifying proven solutions from other regions and scaling them to meet its local needs. A standout example is the widespread adoption of electric buses in Shenzhen. While electric vehicle technology was not invented in China, Shenzhen took this global innovation and adapted it to create the world’s first city with a fully electric bus fleet. This adaptation not only addressed environmental concerns but also improved the efficiency of public transportation in a rapidly growing urban area. By combining this approach with technologies such as GPS-based tracking for buses and apps that provide real-time updates to passengers, these cities have dramatically improved the commuting experience. The scalability and affordability of these systems have made them especially attractive, demonstrating how incremental innovation can have transformative impacts.
These successes show how the “One to N” formula can create profound change by focusing on adaptation and scaling rather than reinvention. For Sabah, and specifically Kota Kinabalu, these examples provide a blueprint for addressing urban transportation issues effectively.
Applying the Formula to Kota Kinabalu: Special Bus Lanes
Kota Kinabalu is a vibrant city with immense potential. However, like many growing urban centres, it faces mounting challenges in urban mobility. Traffic congestion is becoming a daily reality, especially along major routes that connect the city centre with key economic and tourism hubs. Public transportation in the city remains limited, with no integrated systems like light rail or dedicated bus rapid transit. Attempts to introduce large-scale projects, such as rail transit, have been stalled due to funding constraints and logistical hurdles.
This is where the “One to N” formula can provide a viable solution. By focusing on special bus lanes, Kota Kinabalu can address its transportation challenges in a cost-effective and scalable manner. Special bus lanes involve repurposing existing roadways to prioritize buses, ensuring they can operate with minimal delays. This concept has been proven in cities across the world, including Jakarta, Bangkok, and Guangzhou, and can be adapted to Kota Kinabalu’s unique needs.
For example, bus lanes could be introduced on high-traffic corridors such as the route from the city centre to Tanjung Aru Beach or from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Sapangar Bay. These routes are critical for both daily commuters and tourists, making them ideal starting points for a pilot project. By dedicating one lane exclusively to buses and supporting this with clear signage, public awareness campaigns, and enforcement measures, the city can significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of its bus services.
Moreover, this initiative can be enhanced with the integration of basic technology, such as GPS tracking for buses and mobile apps that provide real-time updates to passengers. These additions are relatively low-cost but can have a high impact on improving the user experience. Combined, these measures can make public transit a more attractive option, reducing the number of private vehicles on the road and alleviating congestion.
Efficient public transportation is more than a solution to urban mobility challenges; it is a cornerstone of economic growth. Reliable transit systems enable people to move quickly and affordably, connecting them to jobs, education, and other opportunities. For businesses, an efficient transportation network reduces delays in the movement of goods and services, improving productivity. In Kota Kinabalu, the introduction of special bus lanes could generate these benefits while also supporting the city’s tourism sector.
A Practical Alternative to Costly Projects
Sabah’s history of attempting large-scale transportation projects highlights the challenges of securing funding for ambitious initiatives. Proposals for rail transit or monorail systems have failed to materialize due to the high costs involved. While these projects remain desirable in the long term, the reality is that Sabah needs immediate, affordable solutions to address its transportation needs.
Special bus lanes represent a pragmatic alternative. They require minimal infrastructure changes and can be implemented quickly compared to large-scale projects. This makes them an ideal starting point for improving public transit in Kota Kinabalu. By demonstrating the success of this approach, the state can build momentum for future transportation initiatives, gradually expanding its network and integrating additional technologies as resources become available.
A Scalable Path Forward for Sabah
The “One to N” formula offers Sabah an actionable and realistic roadmap to enhance its economy through practical, scalable solutions tailored to its unique needs. By adopting special bus lanes as a starting point, Kota Kinabalu can take a significant step toward solving its transportation challenges while creating ripple effects that stimulate broader economic growth. This initiative is more than just a transportation improvement; it symbolizes a paradigm shift in how the state approaches development—favouring innovation that is practical, affordable, and adaptable over grandiose plans that may remain unrealized due to financial constraints.
Focusing on special bus lanes allows Sabah to prioritize solutions that are not only cost-effective but also immediately impactful. The introduction of such lanes will demonstrate how modest, yet well-executed adaptations can yield tangible benefits. Public transit will become more reliable and appealing, reducing dependence on private vehicles and alleviating congestion. This, in turn, supports the movement of people and goods, a crucial factor in economic productivity. When workers can reach their jobs on time, students can access schools easily, and goods flow more efficiently, the entire economy benefits.
A Model of Pragmatism in Development
The implementation of special bus lanes in Kota Kinabalu underscores a model of pragmatism in Sabah’s development strategy. While large-scale projects like light rail systems or monorails remain desirable in the long term, they require substantial investments and long gestation periods. Sabah’s economic reality necessitates solutions that are quicker to implement and easier to scale, making special bus lanes an ideal choice. By maximizing the use of existing road infrastructure and incorporating simple technologies like GPS tracking and mobile apps, this approach minimises costs while maximizing impact.
Moreover, this initiative can act as a pilot project, setting a precedent for future transportation enhancements. Successful implementation will generate public support and confidence, encouraging further investments in public transit. It also provides policymakers with valuable data and insights, which can be used to refine and expand the system over time.
Driving Economic Growth through Connectivity
Transportation is a cornerstone of economic growth, and the introduction of special bus lanes can significantly enhance Sabah’s economic ecosystem. Improved public transit facilitates greater connectivity between urban centers, industrial zones, and tourism hotspots. For businesses, this means reduced delays in the delivery of goods and services. For individuals, it ensures easier access to employment opportunities, education, and healthcare.
The tourism sector, one of Sabah’s economic pillars, stands to benefit immensely. Tourists visiting iconic destinations like Tanjung Aru Beach, Gaya Island, or Kinabalu Park often rely on local transportation to navigate the region. Efficient and eco-friendly public transit systems, including buses that operate reliably within dedicated lanes, enhance the visitor experience, encouraging repeat visits and longer stays. This translates to increased spending and growth in related sectors such as hospitality, retail, and local crafts.
A Vision for Sabah’s Future
In conclusion, the “One to N” formula offers Sabah a pathway to enhance its economy by focusing on innovation that is both adaptable and achievable. Special bus lanes in Kota Kinabalu serve as a starting point—a practical solution to pressing transportation challenges that can unlock economic potential and improve quality of life. As Sabah continues its journey toward sustainable development, this initiative embodies the belief that progress is not only within reach but is a matter of choosing solutions that align with the region’s needs and aspirations. With this mindset, Sabah can confidently chart a future where its economy thrives, its environment is preserved, and its people are empowered.
