PLUS chief operating officer Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi urged the people to comply with the “Balik Kampung and Pulang Ke Bandar” travel time advisory (TTA), from April 29 to May 2, and plan their journeys to avoid traffic congestion.
“This is the first time after two years of the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) that Malaysians are allowed to return to their hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“As such, we expect two million vehicles to use the highway daily during this festive period.
“This is a 25% increase compared to the 1.6 million vehicles a day using our highways currently.
“In view of this, we expect congestion and prolonged travelling time.
“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, north Perak and Johor are advised to enter the highway earlier, which is before 10am.
“Those heading to nearer locations or states are advised to enter the highway before 1pm,” he said in a statement today.
According to Zakaria, based on a study, PLUS found that for the return journey to Klang Valley, highway customers could 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.
“They are expected to experience journeys of up to 10 hours — 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 normal duration, if they enter the highway after 9am.”
The TTA issued by PLUS for highway journeys from April 29 to May 9 is also aimed at distributing traffic and avoiding congestion when entering the highways, stopping at toll plazas and rest areas.
“The TTA is designed to prevent traffic heading to distant destinations from converging with those heading to places that are nearer. Adhering to the TTA would have a positive difference to a person’s travelling experience.”
He added that apart from the TTA schedule, highway customers could use the PLUS app, Waze or Google Map for a better travel plan.
Motorists can obtain the latest traffic information via Twitter@PLUSTrafik, the PLUS app, PLUSLine 1800-88-0000, Chatbot PUTRI, electronic message signs (VMS) at selected locations as well as follow the traffic reports through national radio broadcasts.
PLUS also advised motorists to adhere to traffic regulations and drive carefully while ensuring their vehicles were in good condition so as to reach their destinations safely to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their families.