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THE North-South Expressway is forecast to witness a record surge in traffic during the festive week of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, with an estimated 2.3 million vehicles expected to travel daily along the 772-kilometre route.
The traditional “balik kampung” exodus is anticipated to peak from now until next Sunday, coinciding with an influx of visitors to tourist destinations such as Penang, Langkawi, and Ipoh.
PLUS Malaysia Berhad northern region manager Mahadzir Masod said measures have been implemented to mitigate congestion and ensure smoother traffic flow.
“These include activating smart lanes at 34 strategic locations and deploying over 6,000 personnel to respond to incidents along the highway,” he explained during a road safety awareness campaign near the Juru toll plaza northbound.
In addition, around 60 motorcycle rest areas have been prepared under flyovers and at suitable locations in the northern region, recognising that motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to accidents.
The expressway also provides 81 emergency stopping bays for vehicles experiencing breakdowns, stretching from Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah to Johor Bahru.
Motorists are urged to avoid stopping in emergency lanes during accidents or breakdowns, as rear-end collisions in these lanes account for roughly 10 per cent of highway accidents, often resulting in serious injuries, Mahadzir said.
He added that PLUS Malaysia will continue close coordination with the Malaysian Highway Authority, the police, and the Road Transport Department to enhance traffic management and enforcement during the festive period.
Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys early and consult the MyPLUS-TTA digital travel schedule, which monitors traffic flow along the expressway and suggests alternative routes.
State Executive Councillor for Transport Zairil Khir Johari emphasised that the safest journey home is more important than the fastest.
He also encouraged visitors to use the affordable or sometimes free Rapid Penang bus services when travelling to tourist hotspots, helping to reduce congestion.
“Police data recorded 9,859 traffic accidents nationwide last year, including 77 fatal crashes that claimed 83 lives,” Zairil said.
“Although the number of deaths dropped slightly compared with the previous year, every figure represents a family that has lost a loved one.”
He highlighted that the road safety campaign aims to raise awareness among motorcyclists, who were given opportunities to inspect their motorcycles and receive helmets, reflective vests, and safety gloves meeting national standards.
Kunitomo Asano, managing director of Boon Siew Honda, stressed that the priority during the festive season is safe reunions with family.
“We provided safety gear to 100 riders and offered free motorcycle inspections to help ensure safer journeys.
“This initiative is part of Honda’s global commitment to road safety as we work towards achieving zero traffic fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and cars by 2050,” he said.
Authorities continue to urge drivers and motorcyclists to plan their travel, respect traffic regulations, and make use of digital tools to navigate the festive holiday safely, as Malaysia prepares for one of the busiest travel periods of the year. - March 15, 2026
