Road safety during Chinese New Year 2026: A shared responsibility for Sabah

CHINESE New Year is one of the most meaningful and widely celebrated festivals in Sabah. It is a time for family reunions, cultural traditions, thanksgiving, and hope for a better year ahead. In 2026, Chinese New Year falls on 17 February, welcoming the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, perseverance, and movement.

As families prepare to travel across districts and towns returning to hometowns, visiting relatives, or enjoying festive holidays in which Sabah’s roads will once again experience a significant increase in traffic. This annual travel pattern is both a sign of strong family bonds and an important reminder of the need for heightened road safety awareness.

In line with the Sabah State Government’s SMJ 2.0 development agenda, which places emphasis on people’s well-being, connectivity, and sustainable progress, road safety remains an essential aspect of public welfare. Ensuring that every journey during the festive season is safe is not only a government responsibility but a shared commitment involving authorities, communities, and individual road users.

The festive season and increased road use

Festive periods such as Chinese New Year naturally led to increased road activity. More private vehicles, buses, and commercial transport are on the road, particularly along major highways connecting urban centres such as Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Sempurna, Keningau, and interior districts.

Many families plan long-distance journeys to reunite with loved ones, while others take advantage of the holidays to travel for leisure. This surge in movement reflects economic vitality and strong social ties. However, it also requires greater care, patience, and preparedness from everyone involved in road use.

During such periods, even well-designed road systems are tested by higher traffic volumes. This is why road safety measures, traffic management, and responsible driving behaviour become especially important.

The government’s role in promoting road safety

The Sabah State Government has consistently recognised that safe and reliable road networks are fundamental to social and economic development. Under SMJ 2.0, efforts to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and public services directly contribute to safer travel conditions for the public.

1. Continuous improvement of road infrastructure

Well-maintained roads are one of the most effective ways to reduce accidents. Ongoing initiatives such as resurfacing, widening of key routes, installation of road markings, signage, street lighting, and safety barriers play a crucial role in improving visibility and driver awareness.

Special attention is often given to high-traffic areas, accident-prone locations, and routes frequently used during festive seasons. These improvements benefit not only holiday travellers but also daily commuters, public transport users, and commercial vehicles throughout the year.

2. Traffic management and enforcement

During peak travel periods, traffic management efforts are usually intensified. These may include coordinated traffic flow measures, monitoring at key junctions, and cooperation between enforcement agencies to ensure smooth movement and compliance with traffic regulations.

Such measures are not intended to inconvenience road users but to promote orderly driving, reduce congestion, and enhance overall safety. When drivers understand that these efforts are in place for public protection, cooperation becomes easier and more effective.

3. Public awareness and education

Public education plays a vital role in shaping safe driving habits. Road safety messages shared through radio, television, digital platforms, and community programmes help remind the public of essential practices such as wearing seatbelts, obeying speed limits, and avoiding distractions.

Festive seasons provide an ideal opportunity to reinforce these messages, as families often travel together. Parents, in particular, serve as role models for younger passengers, instilling values of patience, responsibility, and respect for traffic rules.

4. Emergency preparedness and support services

Despite all precautions, accidents can still happen. Efficient emergency response systems, medical services, and roadside assistance are therefore critical. Readiness in these areas helps minimise the impact of incidents and ensures that help reaches those in need as quickly as possible.

The presence of trained personnel, emergency facilities, and communication systems along major routes provides reassurance to travellers, especially those unfamiliar with certain areas.

The importance of individual responsibility

While government initiatives form the foundation of road safety, the actions of individual road users ultimately determine outcomes on the road. Each driver, rider, passenger, and pedestrian has a role to play in creating a safe travelling environment.

1. Planning journeys wisely

Good planning reduces stress and risk. Drivers are encouraged to check travel routes in advance, allow sufficient time for their journeys, and avoid rushing. Leaving earlier rather than later can make a significant difference in maintaining calm and focus while driving.

Regular rest breaks during long journeys help prevent fatigue and maintain alertness.

2. Ensuring vehicle readiness

A simple vehicle inspection before travel can prevent many problems on the road. Checking tyres, brakes, lights, engine fluids, and windscreen wipers ensures that the vehicle is in good condition, especially when travelling long distances or during rainy weather.

A roadworthy vehicle contributes not only to personal safety but also to the safety of other road users.

3. Practising safe driving habits

Fundamental practices such as wearing seatbelts, using child safety seats, signalling properly, and maintaining safe distances are proven to reduce injuries and fatalities.

Speed limits are set with road conditions and safety considerations in mind. Adhering to them helps drivers react more effectively to unexpected situations and reduces the severity of accidents.

4. Avoiding distractions and fatigue

Modern technology has made communication easier but also introduced new distractions. Using mobile phones while driving significantly reduces attention and reaction time. Drivers are encouraged to focus fully on the road and set navigation or communication tools before starting their journey.

Equally important is recognising signs of fatigue. Resting when tired is a responsible decision that protects everyone on the road.

Community awareness and shared values

Road safety is closely linked to community values such as mutual respect, patience, and care for others. During festive seasons, when emotions run high and schedules are tight, practising courtesy on the road becomes even more meaningful.

Simple acts such as giving way, slowing down in residential areas, and being mindful of pedestrians reflect a shared commitment to public safety and harmony.

A safe journey as the best festive blessing

Chinese New Year traditions often focus on blessings for health, prosperity, and longevity. In this spirit, a safe journey is one of the greatest blessings a family can give one another.

Arriving safely allows celebrations to be filled with joy rather than worry. It ensures that reunions remain happy occasions and that memories created during the festive season are positive and lasting.

The Year of the Horse, associated with strength and progress, is a fitting reminder that advancement must be guided by responsibility. As Sabah continues to move forward under SMJ 2.0, strengthening road safety awareness supports the broader goal of improving quality of life for all.