Traffic in JB sees surge
JOHOR BARU: The main roads in the Johor capital yesterday saw a surge in the number of vehicles on the first day of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
A check at Jalan Skudai, which is the main artery linking the city centre to key industrial areas, including Tampoi and Tebrau, showed an increase in traffic compared with last week when it was almost empty.
All routes in the three-lane highway were filled with vehicles.
Roadblocks were yesterday dismantled, allowing for smoother traffic flow.
In George Town, Penang police said they were expecting to halve the number of roadblocks in anticipation of people returning to work on Friday.
State police chief Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan said there were 44 roadblocks, which would be reduced to 24.
“We will review this, maybe reduce even further, relocate or conduct different checks.
“Our decision will be based on reports by district police chiefs.
“We will focus our attention more on public places such as markets to ensure people are adhering to the social distancing standard operating procedures.”
Vehicles were seen plying main thoroughfares, including Jalan Masjid Negeri, Jalan Penang and Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu.
Penang announced the implementation of the Penang Gradual Recovery Strategy, which will reopen sectors of the economy in stages from May 8 to 13.
The state’s traffic is expected to return to the pre-MCO period from next week onwards.