Road safety and planning come first, motorists reminded

PETALING JAYA: Travellers are urged to keep a positive outlook and check their mental health during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays.

Plus Malaysia Bhd strategic stakeholder engagement head Syed Mohammed Idid said the exodus is expected to begin as soon as people clock out from work on Friday.

“It is important for people to prepare for the long journey ahead with two million vehicles a day expected on the highway,” he said.

“Be aware of microsleep (dozing off for a few seconds) and your biological brakes, and make sure that your Touch ‘n Go card is loaded, including your ewallet. If the Touch ‘n Go card is expired, the MyKad can also be used.

“Please don’t assume that after two years (of not being able to balik kampung), driving will be a breeze. Always anticipate and be mindful of the long journey ahead.

“We will close Rest and Relax areas temporarily if they are congested, so people will need to go on to the next one or use facilities near the toll offices,” he said in response to advice for those planning to balik kampung or balik bandar.

He added that the Rest and Relax areas would be reopened once the congestion clears.

Syed Mohammed also said they were anticipating a non-Hari Raya crowd on the highway, including Singaporeans, who would be taking advantage of the break to travel.

With this in mind, he said Plus had prepared a Travel Time Advisory (TTA) for those travelling.

For those going further up north or down south to Johor from April 29 to May 2, it is best to start the journey before 10am.

But for those who are going to closer destinations like Seremban or Melaka or Kuala Lumpur to Tanjung Malim, it is ideal to leave after 1pm.

Those coming back from May 4 to 9 are advised to enter the highway before 9am.

Syed Mohammed said the TTA was designed with traffic congestion in mind, so it would be in the travellers’ best interest to comply.

He added that all vehicles must be checked, especially the tyres and brakes, to ensure that they could handle the journey on the highway.