Mid-to-post-pandemic mobility patterns: a case study of Malaysia highlighting differential trends in work and non-work trips

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s mobility patterns worldwide, with some effects still prevalent. This study examines mobility trends in Malaysia before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic period. Using trip information from community mobility reports, along with data on the number of COVID-19 cases and vaccination rates, this study investigates how work and non-work trips changed during 2020-2022 while also controlling for several socio-demographic factors. The results showed a strong correlation between mobility and the severity of lockdown, with a significant decline in all trip types during lockdowns. The number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths was also found to impact people’s mobility. When controlled for other factors, vaccination rates, however, did not seem to affect trip patterns. The results also showed a rebound in all trip types during the post-pandemic period (April 2022 to October 2022); however, the recovery rates differed, with non-work trips recovering more rapidly than work trips. The study highlights the immediate impact of the post-pandemic on work habits and public behaviour and discusses implications for policymakers in general.

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