Over 2.2 million cars expected daily on PLUS highways this CNY


PETALING JAYA: Smart Lanes at 25 high-traffic locations on PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) highways will be activated as traffic is expected to exceed 2.2 million cars daily during the upcoming Chinese New Year (CNY) festive season.

PLUS Malaysia Bhd chief operating officer Datuk Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi said the amount of traffic is expected to peak on Friday (Jan 24) and Saturday (Jan 25) as well on Jan 31 and Feb 1.

“Highway users can identify Smart Lane locations by the flashing green lights and signages indicating the activation of Smart Lanes.

“Smart Lanes can be used by light vehicles, private cars, or passenger vehicles. When activated, the existing emergency lane will be opened as an additional lane.

“At the same time, driving on the emergency lane at locations where Smart Lanes are not activated is strictly prohibited,” said Zakaria in his speech during a media briefing on PLUS’s CNY preparation on Wednesday (Jan 22).

This year, the activation of Smart Lanes in the northern region would include two additional lanes: Bertam to Sungai Dua and Sungai Bakap R&R to Jawi.

An additional seven Smart Lanes would be opened in the central region in Rawang, Shah Alam to Alam Setia, both directions between Putra Mahkota to Southville, both directions between Bandar Saujana Putra and Putra Heights, and from the Maju Expressway (MEX) to Putrajaya.

Two additional Smart Lanes would be opened in the southern region: Sedenak to Kulai and Pandan to Kempas.

He also said that large vehicles, such as lorries, would be banned from PLUS highways on Jan 27 and 28 as well as on Feb 1 and 2.

PLUS managing director Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar said about 4,500 PLUS personnel would be deployed throughout their highways during the festive season. They include maintenance staff and emergency response team (ERT) personnel.

She also said highway users would get a 10% discount on every cashless transaction worth RM15 and above at all PLUS rest areas.

Nik Airina added that PLUS would temporarily halt all road maintenance works on its highways from Jan 23 to Feb 3.

“During this period, there will be no lane closures except for critical repairs, emergencies, or accident clearance.

“However, construction works for the additional lane project on the North-South Expressway’s Sedenak-Kulai stretch in Johor will continue as scheduled. This will not involve any lane closures on the main highway,” she said in her speech during the media briefing.

She added that 50 cabin restroom units would be deployed at selected lay-bys, toll plazas, and existing restrooms.

Nik Airina also encouraged travellers to download their MyPLUS-TTA application to plan their trips.

“Based on traffic patterns during last year’s Chinese New Year season, travellers could experience more than 40% increase in travel time if they travel outside the recommended schedule.

“PLUS encourages travellers to plan and follow the MyPLUS-TTA schedule, not only for outbound journeys from Klang Valley but also for return trips after the holiday,” she said.

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