Number of vehicles on highways to increase after 7pm

SHAH ALAM - The traffic volume is expected to increase this evening as motorists want to enjoy toll-free and discounted highway travel in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob recently announced that the government decided to give highway toll exemptions and discounts for travellers returning to their hometown this coming festive season, estimated to save motorists some RM77.1 million.

Plus Malaysia, the operator of the spinal north-south highway would be waiving toll starting midnight April 30 (Saturday) until 11.59pm on May 1 (Sunday) for all classes of vehicles. Another highway operator that offered the waiver was Anih Berhad, which would take effect within the same period.

Asked to comment on Plus’ preparation to face the 'balik kampung' exodus, its Chief Operational of Excellence Mohammad Yusuf Abdul Aziz said his team anticipated a surge in traffic after 7pm tonight, as many would want to enjoy the toll-free route to their destination.

He said their team had identified the hotspots for congestion to happen and teams were on standby, should the situation get out of control.

“Our hotspot for congestion is expected after the Slim River area, where lanes will be merging from three lanes to two lanes.

“Other hotspots are at the Gua Tempurung area and towards the north. Meanwhile in the south, we expect congestion in Seremban and Pedas, Linggi area," he told Sinar Daily.

Yusuf confirmed the traffic was gradually increasing but it was still under control.

Apart from that, the ban on heavy vehicles from April 30 until May 2 would also help to reduce congestion.

"In hilly or steep areas, heavy vehicles such as lorries tend to slow down the movement on the road, leading to a traffic jam.

“The Transport Ministry will impose another inbound traffic restriction on May 7 and 8 for heavy vehicles in order to relieve congestion on the roadways (as people return from their hometown),” he said.

Yusuf said Plus also collaborated with authorities to monitor drivers who violated traffic regulations and to ensure the safety of the people when they travel long hours on the road.

This year was especially more important as this would be the first Raya celebration after two years of not being able to cross the state borders due to the pandemic.

He added Plus Ronda would also monitor the highways for 24 hours in case of vehicle breakdowns or other emergencies.

“We have 12 emergency response teams on standby including an ambulance, Rela (People's Volunteer Corps) and Fire and Rescue Department to be on the lookout for any unexpected traffic jams,” he said.

However, Yusuf advised the public to continue obeying the traffic regulations to avoid any fines and be vigilant on the road to ensure the safety of self and others.

Earlier, it was reported that Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Deputy Director Datuk Mohd Nadzri Hussain forecasted about five million vehicles were expected to hit the roads starting today as people make their way back to their hometowns, saying the increasing trend of traffic movement was detected especially in the Klang Valley as people were making preparations for the celebration.

He said traffic would start building up when those travelling to the east coast and north to the south began their journey.

Nadzri reminded motorists to follow the traffic rules, ensure vehicles are in good condition and plan their journey well.