No roadworks during weekend and holiday rush, highway operators told

 

The Malaysian Highway Authority says it will ensure smooth traffic flow on the highways which are expected to see heavy traffic soon. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Highway operators have been told to ensure that maintenance work and road closures are not scheduled during the holiday or weekend rush especially on major interstate expressways with the expected increase in traffic volume soon.

The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) has also directed them to ensure all the rest and recreational areas (R&R) and lay-bys are in proper order and in compliance with the SOPs to curb the spread of Covid-19.

In a statement today, LLM director-general Mohd Shuhaimi Hassan said the traffic volume is expected to increase to four million compared to 3.5 million vehicles in a single day following the government’s move to allow interstate travel from today.

He said the agency is well prepared and has taken the necessary steps to ensure smooth traffic flow on the highways, especially during weekends and the Maulidur Rasul public holiday on Oct 19.

“To ensure smooth flow, LLM has instructed the highway concessionaires to schedule maintenance works and avoid lane closures, especially on the North-South Expressway, Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway, East Coast Highway and Kajang-Seremban Highway,” he added.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced yesterday that the government had agreed to allow individuals who have been fully vaccinated to travel across states without having to obtain a police permit from today.

Shuhaimi said the highway operators have also been instructed to make preparations to ensure that all the rest areas are in proper order and in compliance with the SOPs set by the National Security Council and health ministry to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Meanwhile, he advised highway users to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition and that their Touch ‘n Go cards have sufficient balance before entering the highway.

He also urged drivers to have sufficient rest before embarking on long journeys as well as to adhere to the stipulated SOPs.

For assistance or information on the traffic situation, contact LLM Traffic Management Centre at 1-800-88-7752 or through LLM’s Facebook account or on Twitter @LLMinfotrafik. - FMT