An estimated 3.28 million vehicles are expected on major highways daily during Deepavali, with PLUS recording the highest projected traffic volume, says LLM.
PETALING JAYA: An estimated 3.28 million vehicles are expected to use major highways daily during peak traffic periods in conjunction with the Deepavali celebrations, said Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) director-general Mohd Hadzmir Yusoff.
In a statement today, he said traffic volume was expected to increase as early as Thursday (Nov 5), particularly along routes leading to the east coast, northern and southern regions.
“The PLUS highway network is expected to record the highest traffic volume, with an estimated 2.24 million vehicles daily, followed by the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) with 288,000 vehicles.
“Other highways expected to experience increased traffic include the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway with 190,000 vehicles, West Coast Expressway (WCE) with 168,000 vehicles, Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR) and Kajang-Seremban Expressway (LEKAS) with 135,000 vehicles each, East Coast Expressway Phase 1 with 83,000 vehicles and East Coast Expressway Phase 2 with 44,000 vehicles,” he added.
In conjunction with Deepavali, which falls on Nov 8, the government has announced a 50% toll discount for Class 1 vehicles on Nov 6 and 7, excluding Class 2 vehicles at the Penang Bridge.
The discount will take effect from 12.01am on Nov 6 until 11.59pm on Nov 7.
Hadzmir said LLM welcomed the initiative, which would be implemented at all toll plazas except the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and Tanjung Kupang toll plazas along the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Expressway (LINKEDUA) in Johor.
“To manage the anticipated traffic surge, LLM has directed highway concessionaires to make thorough preparations to ensure safe and smooth journeys for motorists throughout the festive period.
“Among the measures is the temporary suspension of maintenance works involving lane closures from Nov 6 to 10, except for emergency repairs such as pothole patching.
“Smart lanes will also be activated at 30 identified locations along the PLUS highway network to help ease traffic congestion,” he said.
Hadzmir added that LLM had instructed concessionaires to ensure that highway operations and facilities, particularly at rest and recreation (R&R) areas and lay-bys, remained in good working condition.
“Other preparations include ensuring efficient toll collection systems to prevent congestion at toll plazas, as well as providing additional temporary toll lanes at selected locations expected to experience heavy traffic.
“Additional parking spaces and portable toilets will also be provided at several R&R areas along the North-South Expressway, Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway and East Coast Expressway.
“The number of personnel will also be increased to maintain toilet cleanliness and ensure adequate water supplies and fuel availability at petrol stations,” he said.
Hadzmir advised motorists to plan their journeys using the MyPLUS-TTA application by PLUS Malaysia Bhd for the North-South Expressway, and the Travel Time Advisory (TTA) by AFA Prime Bhd for the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway and East Coast Expressway Phase 1.
“Motorists should also ensure their vehicles are in good condition before starting their journeys and have sufficient balances in their Touch ‘n Go cards and eWallets, with the payWave function on debit or credit cards activated.
“Motorists are reminded to comply with instructions when smart lanes are activated, while motorcyclists are advised to exercise caution and seek shelter at designated motorcycle shelters during bad weather,” he said.
Meanwhile, the LLM Traffic Management Centre will operate daily from 7am to 10pm to provide traffic information and assistance to highway users.
Motorists can contact the centre at 1-800-88-7752 for traffic updates or assistance.
Traffic conditions and highway incidents can also be monitored through LLM’s Facebook page, X account (@llminfotrafik) and TikTok.
