TAPAH: More than two million motorists are expected to travel home for the upcoming Chinese New Year and Ramadan seasons, says PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS).
PLUS operations senior general manager Mohd Yusuf Abdul Aziz said an estimated 2.2 million vehicles are expected to use its highways on peak days during the upcoming Chinese New Year and the start of Ramadan, as overlapping festivities and school holidays drive a surge in traffic.
He said traffic is projected to exceed the usual 2.1 million vehicles per day, with numbers anticipated to reach 2.2 million on selected peak days.
“The Chinese New Year celebrations fall in the middle of the week, on Jan 15 and 16, and this coincides closely with the beginning of Ramadan on Jan 19.
“Due to the festive period, we forecast that many Malaysians will take the opportunity to apply for extended leave, and traffic is expected to build up as early as Jan 12,” he said during a special media briefing here on Monday (Feb 9).
To manage anticipated congestion, Mohd Yusuf said PLUS has implemented a traffic dispersion strategy to reduce pressure on major Rest and Service Areas (R&R).
“Motorists are being encouraged to utilise alternative facilities outside the main R&R zones, particularly lay-bys and amenities located near toll plazas,” he said.
Mohd Yusuf said these alternative stops are equipped with essential facilities comparable to those at R&R areas, including toilets, surau, parking lots, as well as vending machines and small vendors at selected locations.
“We anticipate that R&R areas will become major congestion points. Therefore, our strategy is to encourage road users to use facilities just outside the toll plazas, where similar amenities are available. This will help disperse traffic and ease crowding at primary rest areas,” he said.
Mohd Yusuf said PLUS is deploying 294 members of the People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA) to assist with traffic control at strategic locations throughout the festive period.
He said personnel will be stationed at selected high-traffic areas, including major R&R locations and lay-bys that experience heavy congestion.
“We are working closely with RELA, with 294 personnel on duty to help ensure smooth traffic flow, especially at key hotspots,” Mohd Yusuf said.
He elaborated that PLUS has undertaken comprehensive preparations to handle the traffic surge, including operational readiness and on-ground coordination, to help ensure motorists experience a smoother journey during the festive season.
He also urged road users to plan their journeys carefully, monitor traffic advisories, and consider alternative stopping points to help ease congestion across the highway network during what is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
