PETALING JAYA: Up to 3.3 million vehicles are expected to hit the roads across Malaysia as a slew of holidays – Hari Raya Aidiladha, Wesak Day, Kaamatan, Gawai and the King’s Birthday – come together to create an extraordinarily long weekend.
Add to that the school holidays from May 23 to June 7, and traffic is expected to be a nightmare.
The number of vehicles is expected to progressively increase from today until June 7, according to the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM).
LLM director-general Mohd Hadzmir Yusoff said 2.2 million vehicles are expected along the PLUS highway, followed by 209,000 along the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway, 106,000 on the East Coast Expressway (LPT) phase 1, 50,000 on the LPT phase 2 and 150,000 on the West Coast Expressway.
Some 283,000 vehicles are expected on the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway, while 125,000 are expected on the Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway and 137,000 on the Kajang-Seremban Highway.
In a statement yesterday, Mohd Hadzmir said all highway concessionaires have been instructed to take measures to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience for road users.
There can be no lane closures except for emergency work from today until June 2 and 34 Smart Lanes have been activated, including those along PLUS highways. Toll collection systems also have to function smoothly.
Other steps taken are operational inspections of highways and facilities at R&R areas and lay-bys, the provision of portable toilets and sufficient water supply, as well as ensuring additional parking spaces and personnel, including Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (Rela) officers.
“Travellers are advised to plan their journeys ahead either through the TuJu application or travel time advisories issued,” he said.
TuJu is a highway navigation application that provides real-time updates on traffic conditions.
He also advised motorists to ensure their vehicles are in working condition and that they have sufficient balances to pay for tolls.
“Motorcylicts should also be cautious and take shelter in the event of rain,” he added.
In a related development, Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali said routes to most major east coast destinations have been fully booked in the lead up to Hari Raya Aidiladha on May 27.
Routes to Pasir Mas, Kemaman and Dungun, however, are still available.
“Along the north-south corridor, bus bookings are at about 60% as some may choose to commute using private vehicles or rail transportation,” he said.
He also said that the extra long weekend would see travel patterns becoming increasingly staggered.
“In a way, traffic flow will be more balanced as not everyone is scrambling to be on the roads all at once,” he added.
