PLUS Malaysia Bhd has advised motorists from the Klang Valley returning to their hometowns on April 29 to May 2 for the Aidilfitri celebration to enter the highway before 10am.

PLUS chief operating officer Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi said it is calling on the people to comply with the Balik Kampung and Pulang Ke Bandar Travel Time Advisory (TTA) on April 29 to May 2 and plan their journeys to avoid traffic congestion. 

“As this is the first time after two years of movement control order (MCO) that Malaysians are allowed to return to their home villages to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we expect about two million vehicles, which is an increase of 25% compared to 1.6 million vehicles a day using our highways currently. 

“In view of this, do expect congestion and possibly prolonged duration for your travel. So we urge and advise highway customers to abide by the TTA issued to plan journeys back to their hometowns and to return to the city. 

“Highway users heading to faraway destinations such as Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Johor are advised to enter the highway earlier, which is before 10am. Those heading to closer locations or states are advised to enter the highway before 1pm,” he said in a statement today. 

According to Zakaria, based on a study by PLUS, it was found that for the return journey to Klang Valley, highway customers can expect long journeys if they choose not to adhere to the TTA. 

“This is based on the festive season travelling pattern simulation for motorists coming from the north to Klang Valley, and they are expected to experience journeys of up to 10 hours or two times longer than the average journey if they enter the highway after 9am.

“Meanwhile, the journey from the south to Klang Valley is expected to take more than seven hours or twice the duration compared to the average journey if they enter the highway after 9am,” he cautioned.

The TTA issued by PLUS for highway journeys from April 29 to May 9 is also aimed at distributing traffic and avoiding simultaneous congestion from entering the highways and stopping at toll plazas and rest areas.

He added that apart from the TTA schedule, highway customers are urged to use the PLUS app, Waze or Google Maps to better plan their journeys.

PLUS also advises customers to adhere to traffic regulations and drive carefully after ensuring their vehicles are in good condition so as to reach their destinations safely to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their families. – Bernama, April 23, 2022.