The Malaysian Highway Authority forecasts a massive traffic surge exceeding 3.49 million vehicles on major and connecting expressways during the Aidilfitri peak travel period.
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) anticipates traffic exceeding 3.49 million vehicles on major highways and connecting expressways during the peak travel days for the Aidilfitri celebrations.
Director-general Mohd Hadzmir Yusoff stated that the traffic increase is expected to begin as early as tomorrow, particularly as motorists start journeys towards the North, South, and East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
He detailed that the PLUS Group of highways is expected to record 2.30 million vehicles, followed by the West Coast Expressway with 215,000, the KL-Karak Highway with 210,000, the East Coast Expressway Phase 1 with 106,000, and Phase 2 with 65,000.
“Meanwhile, for connecting highways, the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) is projected to record 295,000 vehicles, the Kajang-Seremban Expressway (LEKAS) 159,000, and the Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR) 135,000 vehicles,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Hadzmir added that all concessionaires have been instructed to ensure no lane closures except for emergencies from tomorrow until March 30, alongside smooth toll collection systems and the activation of 34 Smart Lane locations on the PLUS Highway.
He said checks on highway operations would be intensified at Rest and Service Areas and lay-bys, with the provision of 65 portable toilets, adequate water supply, and increased staff and parking at selected locations.
“Users can obtain real-time traffic updates and information on any highway incidents via LLM’s official social media platforms – Facebook (Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia) and TikTok @llmtrafik, or by contacting the LLM Traffic Management Centre at 1-800-88-7752,” he advised.
Highway users are also encouraged to plan journeys using the TuJu Application and Travel Time Advisory, ensure their vehicles are in good condition, and maintain sufficient balance for toll payments via Touch ‘n Go, e-wallets, or debit cards.
The government has announced a 50% toll discount for Aidilfitri to help reduce travel costs for those returning to their hometowns, effective from 12:01 am on March 18 until 11:59 pm on March 19.
This discount applies to Class 1 private vehicles on all highways, except at the Sultan Iskandar Building Toll Plaza and the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Expressway.
The Sun Malaysia
