Bernama
& New Straits Times
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According to Bernama, the highway operator has issued a ‘Balik Kampung and Pulang Ke Bandar’ travel time advisory to make sure motorists will be able to avoid the Raya traffic surge from 29 April to 2 May.
“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,” said PLUS chief operating officer (CEO) Datuk Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi in a statement on Sunday, 24 April.
Highway users from Klang Valley returning to their hometowns in further states, such as Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, and Johor, are advised to enter the North-South Expressway before 10am.
Meanwhile, those heading out to nearer locations or states are advised to enter the highway after 1pm.
As for those coming back into Klang Valley after the celebrations, they are encouraged to hit the road even earlier, which is by 9am from 5 May to 9 May, to return to the city.
“The travel time advisory is designed to prevent traffic heading towards further destinations from converging with those heading to nearer places. By adhering to it, it would make a positive difference to one’s travelling experience,” said Zakaria.
He also advised travellers to adhere to traffic regulations, ensure their vehicles are in good condition, and to drive carefully to reach their destinations safely to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their families this year.