JOHOR BARU: Johor police have identified 49 hotspot locations for traffic congestion, including the two land checkpoints with Singapore, during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
State police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said they are expecting a 10% to 15% increase in the number of vehicles along major roads and highways in the state during the festive season.
“A total of 1,767 police officers and personnel, including 636 from the traffic department will be on duty during the six-day Ops Selamat until Feb 2.
“The focus will be on our land border with Singapore, which is Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB),” he said, adding that the two locations are among the hotspot areas for traffic congestion.
Speaking to reporters after attending a road safety advocacy programme, Comm Kumar said police have also identified 31 blackspot locations for road accidents, which will be their main focus during the festivities.
Comm Kumar said enforcement action will be taken against six main offences including speeding, driving along emergency lanes, cutting queues and double lines, ignoring traffic lights and using mobile phones while driving.
“The police will be present to ensure a safe Chinese New Year celebrations and travellers reach their destination safely,” he said.
Comm Kumar also advised those returning to their hometowns or going for holiday to notify the police to keep an eye on their homes, adding that so far, 280 individuals have informed them.
Meanwhile, state exco member Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said the Causeway and Second Link are being closely monitored to ensure smooth traffic flow during the Chinese New Year.
“Apart from keeping all counters at both customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complexes open throughout the festive season, we will also activate our contra lanes at KSAB.
“Currently, we have 12 outbound lanes and 12 inbound lanes for cars. Of these, six could be converted into contra lanes,” he said in an interview.
Contra lanes refer to converting lanes on the opposite side to accommodate increased flow during peak hours or special circumstances.
He added that the Immigration Department will also release a schedule for travellers to refer to in order to avoid congestion.
