Traffic builds up as Aidiladha holidaymakers return home

KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic congestion began building up on several major highways nationwide as of 5pm today as Malaysians travelled during the Aidiladha holiday weekend, with slow-moving traffic reported along the eastbound Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway (KLK).

The Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) said traffic was moving slowly from Gombak towards Bentong, including stretches near Bukit Tinggi and Bentong on the KLK.

“Slow-moving traffic was also reported on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) northbound from Pedas Linggi towards Port Dickson, as well as after the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza heading towards Kuala Lumpur city centre.

“At the country’s border crossings, traffic congestion was reported at the Johor Causeway in both directions,” MHA said in a post on X.

Several incidents on the Plus highway also contributed to congestion this evening.

An accident at KM159.5 northbound from Jawi towards Bandar Cassia initially blocked the right lane and caused traffic delays.

However, as of 5.01pm, the right lane had reopened, although the emergency lane remained closed.

Separately, a trailer breakdown was reported at KM231.4 southbound from Changkat Jering towards Kuala Kangsar at 5.09pm.

“The breakdown has blocked the left lane, causing traffic to move slowly in the area.

“Motorists are advised to follow instructions from highway personnel and maintain a safe distance between vehicles,” it said.

Earlier, MHA said it expected about 2.8 million vehicles to use major highways today as commuters returned to the city following the Aidiladha holidays.

Traffic Management Centre supervisor Muhammad Aliff Syafiq Md Takiyudin said the figure represented the highest traffic volume recorded since the start of the festive period.

MHA advised motorists travelling from the north to consider using the West Coast Expressway (WCE) between Taiping Utara and Hutan Melintang as an alternative route.

Those returning from the east coast were encouraged to use federal roads to avoid heavy congestion on major highways.

Road users were also urged to plan their journeys by referring to the Travel Time Advisory (TTA) via the MyPlus-TTA app or the AFA Prime website.

For the latest traffic updates or enquiries, the public can contact the MHA toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-7752.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times