KUALA LUMPUR: It is estimated that Klang Valley workers spend at least 44 hours a month in their vehicles due to traffic jams.
Dr Ismaniza Ismail, senior lecturer at the School of Chemistry and Environment in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at Universiti Teknologi Mara, said commuters spend about an hour or two on the road each day.
"Imagine how much time is wasted every day due to traffic jams. This also affects their productivity at work.
"If the average hourly wage is RM7, multiplied by two hours over 22 working days, the productivity loss is estimated at RM308 a month, which is lost on the road."
She further said severe road congestion problems can affect employees' physical, emotional and mental health.
"Stress as a result of being stuck in static traffic, can disrupt emotions and productivity, thus affecting the work atmosphere.
"Sitting too long in a car can also result in back pain."
On potential solutions, Dr Ismaniza said flexible working hours can be considered to reduce congestion and increase work productivity.
Additionally, she said the authorities should improve the quality of existing public transportation services, offering a wider network of routes.
Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Faculty of Medicine community health expert Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said, being in a vehicle for too long will reduce an individual's time to do physical activities.
"This can be linked to other problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and heart problems. Some will experience increased aggression, feeling nervous and heartache due to stress.
"In addition, it can increase allergies, cause breathing difficulties, and disrupt sleep."
Dr Sharifa Ezat said those stuck in severe traffic jams may experience symptoms such as headaches, numbness in the neck and waist area, leg pain, dizziness, and nausea.
She said people with heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, among others may find that their conditions worsen if they are stuck in congestion for a long time.
"This is because road congestion also increases air pollution, exposing them to the pollutants.
"Indirectly, it increases the risk of blood vessels narrowing, chest pain, heart attacks, and carcinogenesis, especially lung cancer."
She advised the public to use air conditioning in vehicles to prevent fine particles from entering when stuck in traffic.
The rate of air pollution, she said is highest in congested traffic areas, as well as at traffic light intersections since vehicle smoke accumulates where there is no air movement.
"Smoking or vaping in vehicles is not advisable due to inadequate ventilation.
"While stuck in a traffic jam, do some light stretching activities or listen to music to calm your mind," she added.