Take the high road during festive seasons

MUAR: Road users are urged to show more patience and understanding, especially when travelling during the festive season, says Datuk Tee Siew Kiong.

The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation’s (MCPF) Johor chapter chairman said traffic jams are a common occurrence during holidays, and it is important for motorists to handle these situations in a mature and calm manner as these situations are often beyond our control.

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“We should plan our journeys and try to avoid peak traffic times.

“As Johoreans, we should also recognise that our state is a key travel hub and we should be more accommodating to visitors to prevent any negative incidents that could tarnish our reputation,” he said.

Tee was commenting on a road rage incident on the North-South Expressway (NSE) in Pagoh.

A Singaporean, Soh Kian Hui, 45, was fined RM5,500 by a Magistrate’s Court in Muar after he pleaded guilty for causing over RM2,500 worth of damage to a car during the altercation.

According to the charge sheet, Soh damaged the rear windscreen of a Toyota Fortuner using a cane after a heated argument with the 31-year-old owner of the vehicle.

Tee emphasised the dangers of such behaviour, highlighting the risks it poses to other road users.

“If we look at the police statement on Ops Selamat in conjunction with Chinese New Year, there were more than 1,400 accidents in just a short period of time.

“Drivers who stop on emergency lanes without valid reasons should be fined for obstructing traffic and endangering others.

“The police should also investigate whether the location of the incident was within the ‘SmartLane’ zones,” he said.

Tee, who is the former Johor tourism, trade, and consumerism committee chairman, added that the state is also one of the top tourism destinations for international and local tourists.

“I’m afraid that having this type of news will have consequences for our good image,” he added.