PLUS: Plan your Raya trip

Two million vehicles expected during peak period, says MD

PETALING JAYA: Two million vehicles are expected to be on the highways during the peak period of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season and those heading back to their hometowns are advised to plan their trips well.

PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) managing director Datuk Azman Ismail said he expected traffic volume to increase by 18% from the usual 1.7 million vehicles on normal days.

PLUS, he said, would also issue its travel time advisory (TTA) schedule to help people plan their balik kampung and balik kota travel between May 30 and June 10.

“PLUS has made various preparations in terms of highway operations and traffic distribution strategy to help drivers travel safer and more comfortably this festive season,” Azman said at a media briefing yesterday.

Those heading to the farthest destinations from the Klang Valley such as Perlis, Kedah, Penang, northern Perak and Johor are advised to enter the highway before 10am.

Those who are heading to nearer locations such as Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Selangor are advised to enter the highway after 10am.

Motorists can also get the TTA schedule via the PLUS mobile application.

The application also has an “SOS” button which allows help to be channelled immediately when turned on.

It provides real time CCTV footage from over 1,400 CCTV cameras on the highways.

“You can state your starting point and destination and it will show the traffic conditions.

“The CCTV footage is also updated every 10 seconds,” said Azman.

Motorists are advised to top up their Touch ‘n Go cards as the reload lanes on the highways will be closed from May 30 to June 11 to avoid congestion.

PLUS chief operating officer Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi advised the public, especially motorcyclists, to avoid using the emergency lanes on the highway.

“We would like to advise motorcyclists to wear bright-colour clothing to make themselves more visible, and if possible, travel during the day for better visibility,” he said.

PLUS will also place about 5,000 of its personnel on the North-South Expressway to help motorists.

Drones will also be used to facilitate traffic management at strategic locations on the highways.

Earlier, PLUS also unveiled its Hari Raya Aidilfitri video titled Tumpang which signifies the concessionaire’s endeavour to provide a meaningful journey for its customers.

Tumpang is about two men whose lives are unexpectedly intertwined.

The video also highlights the concept of silaturahim (friendship).

It can be viewed through all PLUS social media platforms as well as on YouTube.