GEORGE TOWN: The congestion on the highways due to the holiday rush not only delayed motorists but also led to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow missing two events on Saturday (September 14).
Chow was travelling back from the opening ceremony of Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show (Maha) 2024 in Selangor when he was caught in a severe traffic jam, forcing him to cancel his appearances.
The Chief Minister had planned to return to Penang in the afternoon to attend two evening functions but was hindered by a significant traffic jam on the North-South Highway, resulting in his absence.
The events Chow missed were a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration at a Batu Kawan temple, where he was expected at 7pm, and the 105th-anniversary banquet of an old Chinese association at Penang Town Hall, scheduled at 9pm.
The heavy traffic was attributed to the school holidays and the extended weekend, causing many to travel back to their hometowns.
Chow eventually arrived in Penang at about 11pm after departing Selangor at 2pm.
