PETALING JAYA: As the Chinese New Year (CNY) approaches, a staggering 2.2 million vehicles are set to flood Malaysia’s highways, creating potential traffic congestion for holiday travellers.
To combat this surge in traffic, Smart Lanes will be activated at 25 high-traffic locations, designed to alleviate congestion and guarantee a smoother journey for drivers and their passengers during this festive season.
PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) chief operating officer Datuk Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi said the activation of the Smart Lanes – which allows vehicles to use the emergency lane during peak periods, even when there is no emergency – would increase highway capacity and help ease traffic jams.
Zakaria said they anticipate an almost 20% increase in traffic on PLUS-operated highways for the festive period compared to normal days.
“Traffic is projected to peak on Friday and Saturday, as well on Jan 31 and Feb 1.
“Highway users can identify Smart Lane locations by the display of green flashing lights and notification signs indicating the activation of Smart Lanes. These lanes can be used by light vehicles, private cars and passenger vehicles.
“When activated, the existing emergency lane will be opened to provide an additional lane, optimising lane capacity at critical highway locations.
“However, highway users are prohibited from driving in the emergency lane at locations where Smart Lanes are not activated,” Zakaria said during a media briefing on PLUS’s preparations for CNY yesterday.
This year, PLUS is introducing 12 additional Smart Lanes on its highways, making it 25 in total.
The activated Smart Lanes in the northern region will include two additional ones from Bertam to Sungai Dua and another from Sungai Bakap R&R to Jawi.
Seven new Smart Lanes will 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.
In the southern region, two additional Smart Lanes will be opened from Sedenak to Kulai and from Pandan to Kempas.
Activating the Smart Lanes is one of several measures being taken by PLUS to help drivers avoid excessive traffic delays.
Travellers are also urged to plan their trips properly by following the recommended travel time advisory (TTA) from the highway operator via its MyPLUS phone application.
“Based on traffic patterns during last year’s Chinese New Year season, motorists could experience more than 40% increase in travel time if they travel outside the recommended MyPLUS-TTA schedule provided,” PLUS managing director Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar said at the briefing.
“Highway users can access the latest traffic information through the PLUS app, the virtual assistant PUTRI, X@plustrafik, electronic message boards (VMS) at selected locations, or via the country’s major radio stations.”
Other measures taken by PLUS during this period include banning heavy vehicles on Jan 27 and 28, and Feb 1 and 2 to reduce likelihood of accidents, and deploying 4,500 personnel, including 50 emergency response teams, to assist motorists.
There will also be 50 cabin restroom units deployed at selected lay-bys and toll plazas in addition to existing restrooms.
The public can contact the PLUSLine at 1800-88-0000 or LPT2Line at 1800-88-0220 if they require assistance during such emergencies.