GEORGE TOWN: An estimated 2.6 million vehicles are expected to enter Penang within six days during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period, says Penang deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin.
He said the estimate is based on traffic from the North-South Expressway and federal roads from Saturday to April 3, as Penang shares its borders with Kedah and Perak.
“(These travellers are) not only Penangites returning to their hometowns but also other road users from neighbouring states, as Penang is located between Kedah and Perak.
“A total of 331 traffic policemen will be deployed to monitor and enforce road regulations under Ops Selamat during this period,” he said during the 218th Police Day celebration at the state police contingent headquarters here yesterday.
DCP Mohd Alwi said with about 6,700 personnel in the contingent, only 10% will be allowed to go on leave during the festive period.
“Inspections will be intensified with motorcycle patrol units making rounds in residential areas and villages. This is to ensure the safety of public property, especially during the festive season when many people return to their hometowns.
“We also advise the public to inform the nearest police station when they are travelling back to their hometowns so that monitoring can be conducted in residential areas,” he said.
