Op to ensure smooth traffic this weekend

Only a few passengers seen waiting at the Penang Sentral bus terminal in Butterworth. — Photo: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

PENANG police have launched a five-day operation to ensure smooth traffic flow during the long weekend festive break.

Penang Traffic and Public Order Department chief Supt Wan Shaharuddin Wan Omar said the operation codenamed Ops Lancar would centre around ‘hotspots’ such as Penang Bridge, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and Jalan Mesjid Negeri on the island plus Jalan Baru and Jalan Permatang Tinggi on the mainland.

He said the operation, which began yesterday and ends on Sunday, has two sessions daily for his men to patrol the streets from 8am to 4pm and 2pm to 10pm.

The Muslim community is celebrating Hari Raya Haji tomorrow.

“We are not going to take any chances although we do not expect a mad ‘balik kampung’ rush like before.

“It is unlikely that there will be mass exodus of people or influx of holidaymakers into the state, ” he said.

Supt Wan Shaharudin advised those who wish to take a trip to Penang or any other states to always heed the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the government.

“Please wear face masks in public places and practise social distancing rules, ” he said.

Meanwhile, a check by The Star at Penang Sentral in Butterworth showed there were only a few people at the centralised transport hub.

Express bus driver Azmi Sulaiman, 37, said people normally do not ‘balik kampung’ during the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration.

“People go back to their hometown only during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“There are some who will make the trip but not many, ” he said.

Azmi said he didn’t expect a large crowd to return to their hometowns as many people still fear contracting the Covid-19 virus.

Meanwhile, KPB Express ticketing clerk Rosliani Rosli, 38, said only express buses that go to Kelantan and Terengganu would be packed with passengers during Hari Raya Haji.

Another express bus operator, who wanted to be known only as Anuar, said people were still hesitant to use public transportation as they fear the Covid-19 virus.

“They prefer to travel to their hometown using their own vehicles, ” he said.