PETALING JAYA: Heavy traffic was reported on several major highways heading to the Klang Valley yesterday as Malaysians returned from their Chinese New Year holiday.

       However, Malaysian Highway Authority’s (LLM) Traffic Management Centre said that up until 11am yesterday, traffic movement from the north, south and east coast towards the capital was smooth.

       LLM said major highways gained more traffic in the afternoon with congestion on the southbound and northbound routes, namely before the Juru toll plaza from Tapah to Bidor, Senawang to Port Dickson, and Perai to Penang.

       LLM Trafik (@LLMinfotrafik) reported that at 12.59pm, a car caught fire at KM41.3 of the Bukit Tinggi-Genting Sempah stretch heading towards Kuala Lumpur, which blocked the emergency lane.

       Congestion was also reported at KM231.1 from Changkat Jering to Kuala Kangsar due to an accident in the right lane.

       LLM advised road users to ensure their vehicles were in good condition before starting their journey.

       “Make sure the balance of your Touch ‘n Go and ewallets are sufficient. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and use the same payment mode to enter and exit toll plazas,” it added.

       LLM also encouraged road users to comply with the Health Ministry and National Security Council’s standard operating procedure when using surau and toilets at rest areas.

       PLUS Malaysia Bhd’s head of operations excellence, Mohd Yusuf Abdul Aziz, said there was smooth traffic to Kuala Lumpur earlier yesterday.

       He said heavier traffic was reported after 6pm as people rushed to the city at the last minute.

       “Get updates from our Twitter @plustrafik or Plusapp/Putri chatbot, to ensure everything is okay,” he said.

       Until today, the LLM Traffic Management Centre will operate on a 24-hour basis and highway users can obtain traffic situation information or assistance by calling 1-800-88–7752 or through the highway concession company hotline at 1-800-88-0000 (PLUS) or 1-700-818-700 (Anih).

       Information on traffic can also be obtained through the official Facebook page Malaysian Highway Authority or on Twitter @LLMinfotrafik.