With Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration just around the corner, highways across Malaysia are set to experience a massive surge in traffic, as millions of people will be travelling to embark on their festive journey. The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) estimates that up to 2.77 million vehicles will ply major expressways daily during this time, making it one of the busiest travel times of the year.
The traffic is largely attributed to city travelers heading to their hometowns, particularly towards the east coast, northern and southern regions. The congestion is expected to be more intense following the Ministry of Education’s additional school holidays from 2nd April-4th April, while return traffic to the city is expected to be at peak on 5th April-6th April.
Steps to Manage Festive Season Traffic
In anticipation of heavy congestion, LLM has introduced several measures to ensure smooth traffic. One of these key steps is prohibiting lane closures on highways except for emergency works between 24th March-7th April. This move aims to prevent unnecessary disruptions on roads that are already busy with increased vehicles.
Additionally, smart lanes have been activated at 28 locations along the PLUS Expressway, allowing motorists to use emergency lanes as alternative routes. LLM had advised drivers to be more cautious and follow designated traffic signs while using these lanes. For motorcyclists, 472 designated shelters have been set up along highways to provide a resting point during these long journeys. Authorities have also urged bikers to be extra cautious especially in high traffic zones.
To further ease road congestion, a temporary restriction on good vehicles will be enforced on 29th March-30th March and 5th April-6th April. This restriction is expected to free up expressways for passenger vehicles during peak holiday seasons.
LLM has also instructed highway workers to ensure toll collection systems operate efficiently to prevent long queues. Facilities such as extra parking spaces and temporary mobile toilets have been available to enhance travellers convenience. And along with that fuel supply at petrol stations along highways is being monitored closely to ensure sufficient availability throughout the festive period.
With highways set to be packed with vehicles, authorities have urged travellers to plan their travel journey carefully. Those using PLUS Expressway can rely on the MyPLUS-TTA application for real time traffic updates and route planning, while motorist travelling via KL-Karak Expressway (KLK) and the East Coast Expressway (LPT1) are advised to refer the travel time advisory (TTA) by AFA Prime.
For latest road updates and accident reports, travellers can follow the official social media channels of LLM or contact the LLM Traffic Management Centre at 1800-88-7752. The centre will be operating 24.7 from 28th March-6th April to assist travelers.
Sources: Bernama
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