THE PENANG Island City Council (MBPP) will deploy traffic wardens at several locations on the island during Hari Raya week, which will coincides with the Thai Songkran festival.

A MBPP spokesman said Raya celebration begins mid-week and is expected to stretch into the next week in view of the school break.

“We are also considering banning some heavy vehicles from congested areas during peak hours. This is part of efforts to reduce congestion,” he added.

The Songkran festival, during which revellers spray water at one another, will take place on Saturday.

“This will cause more congestion, especially in Jalan Burma, which houses a major Thai temple,” said the spokesman.

MBPP has formed a task force for cleanliness, security, safety, enforcement and public education during the festive period.

MBPP will also patrol the the Batu Ferringhi tourism belt where tourists are expected.

The spokesman said MBPP will help the police to keep public order and disperse traffic.

“We also urge our visitors to plan their travels early and to avoid areas which may already be overly crowded,” said the spokesman.

The spokesman also suggested that tourists utilise the free Rapid Penang bus services to travel and sightsee.

Earlier, state deputy police chief Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad said two million vehicles are expected to make their way to Penang over the festive period.

He said policemen from the state’s traffic department will be on duty during the period to help manage traffic congestion.

“We estimate between 2.2 million and 2.4 million vehicles will be passing our highway just like during other festivals. Penang is a tourist hotspot so we expect congestion.”

The about 80% rise in traffic, compared to the usual 1.3 million vehicles, will contribute to the bottlenecks, said Usuf.

Around 300 traffic police members will be on standby throughout the period.

Traffic is expected to be congested in the heritage enclave of George Town, Jalan Burma, Gurney Bay, Tanjong Tokong, Batu Ferringhi, Teluk Bahang, Bayan Lepas, Butterworth, Seberang Jaya, Sungai Dua, Bukit Mertajam, Nibong Tebal, and Bertam. – The Vibes, April 9, 2024.