Hari Raya Aidilfitri is upon us, which means it’s that time of the year again, where cars flood the highways as millions of Malaysians balik kampung. In fact, highway concessionaire PLUS estimates that some 2.2 million cars will be -travelling on the North-South Expressway alone.
If you are driving back home this weekend, have a safe trip! Here’s everything you need to know to help make your journey as smooth as possible.
50% discount on tolls from March 28-29
First of all, the one thing everyone cares the most about: tolls. Works Ministry (KKM) has announced a 50% toll discount for Hari Raya this year, in line the Malaysian government announcement for a partial toll discount for all of this year’s festive seasons.
The 50% toll discount will be applicable from 12.01 AM on March 28 to 11.59 PM on March 29.
Plan your journey ahead, follow travel time advisories
To help drivers plan their trip, PLUS is encouraging users to download its MyPLUS-TTA mobile app. This app allows users to plan their ‘balik kampung’ trip in advance and avoid traffic congestion by entering their starting point, destination, and travel date and time. The app will then provide traffic volume information, categorised as low, moderate, or high.
For example, if you’re planning to travel to Ipoh from KL this Sunday, MyPLUS-TTA recommends departing at 10 AM, as traffic is expected to pick up past 11 AM on the day. Similarly, high traffic volume is expected for those travelling to KL from Ipoh at the same time.
28 Smart Lanes activated on PLUS – use the emergency lane when applicable
PLUS will also be activating Smart Lanes in 28 locations. These include Bukit Tambun to Juru Toll Plaza (Northern region), Slim River to Sungkai (Central region), and Ayer Keroh to Kg. Bemban rest area (Southern region).
If you don’t know what a Smart Lane is, it’s the opening of the emergency lane to be used for light vehicles and its purpose is to make traffic flow smoother and increase capacity of the highway in certain areas. So, heads up: don’t go filming and posting videos of people using the emergency lane, alright?
Do note that there will be signs to inform drivers 1 km and 500 metres before the start point of the Smart Lane. Electronic signs with flashing green lights at 1km intervals will also indicate that drivers are in a Smart Lane Zone.
When using the Smart Lane, do follow the speed limit. PLUS recommends driving below 60 km/h and staying in the Smart Lane until its end. Motorists in the leftmost lane should yield to merging traffic at the Smart Lane’s endpoint.
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Additional police force deployed during Hari Raya, restricted access for heavy vehicles
The police has identified 14 accident-prone areas and 61 areas of high traffic flow in Kuala Lumpur, as parts of Op Lancar that began on March 2 and ends on April 6, Bernama reports.
These include Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Kuching, Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Kepong, Jalan Loke Yew, Jalan Syed Putra, Jalan Cheras as well the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE), Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) and Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway around Kuala Lumpur.
Other locations that have also been identified include the Besraya Highway, Maju Expressway (MEX), Western Kuala Lumpur Traffic Dispersal Scheme (SPRINT), and the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Highway (SUKE).
Additionally, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has identified 12 accident-prone hotspots along the North-South Expressway and LPT. So be extra careful when travelling along these routes.
In light of the increased traffic flow, PLUS will be deploying 1,471 employees at toll plazas nationwide, along with 413 PLUSRonda and LPT2 Ronda patrol members, and 60 officers in its traffic observation centre to coordinate assistance.
Additionally, all non-essential major road works are suspended from March 27 to April 7, unless for emergencies. Heavy vehicles will be banned from entering highways on March 29-30 and April 5-6. As in past festive seasons, the speed limit for federal roads nationwide will be reduced to 80 km/h from March 28 to April 6.
Ensure your vehicle is in proper driving condition before long journeys
Driving safely and according to the speed limit is a given, especially during the festive season. But it is recommended to also ensure your vehicle is in proper driving condition by checking your car’s tyre pressure and tread levels, engine oil and coolant levels, brake fluid, wipers, headlights, taillights, and make sure road tax and insurance are valid to ensure a smooth and seamless journey. Most importantly, ensure your Touch ‘n Go card, TNG e-Wallet, or bank card has sufficient balance.
AutoBuzz.my wishes everyone a safe journey, and Selamat Hari Raya!
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