Motorists advised to be on highway before 10am

KUALA LUMPUR: PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) has advised motorists from Klang Valley returning to their hometowns on April 29 to May 2 for Hari Raya to be on the highway before 10am.

PLUS chief operating officer Datuk Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi said PLUS is urging the people to comply with the “Balik Kampung and Pulang Ke Bandar” travel time advisory (TTA) and plan their journey to avoid traffic congestion.

“Highway users heading to Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Johor are advised to enter the highway before 10am.

“Those heading to nearer locations or states are advised to enter the highway before 1pm,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Zakaria said a PLUS study found that for the return back to Klang Valley, highway users 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 and heading towards Klang Valley, and they are expected to experience journeys of up to 10 hours, or twice 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 with the average journey if they enter the highway after 9am.”

The TTA issued by PLUS is also aimed at distributing traffic, avoiding congestion on highways, preventing travellers from stopping at toll plazas and rest areas.

“The TTA is designed to prevent traffic heading towards further destinations from converging with those heading to nearer places. By adhering to the TTA, it would make a difference to one’s travelling experience,” he added.

Motorists can obtain the latest traffic information via Twitter@PLUSTrafik, PLUS app, PLUSLine 1800-88-0000, Chatbot Putri, electronic message signs at selected locations as well as follow the traffic report via leading national radio broadcasts. – Bernama