KUALA LUMPUR: PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) has advised motorists travelling from the Klang Valley to their hometowns starting this Friday to May 2 for the Hari Raya celebrations to enter the highway before 10am.

       Its chief operating officer Datuk Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi said PLUS was calling motorists to comply with the “balik kampung and pulang ke bandar” travel time advisory (TTA) from April 29 to May 2 and to plan their journey to avoid traffic congestion.

       “As this is the first time Malaysians are allowed to return to their hometown to celebrate Hari Raya in two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we expect about two million vehicles, an increase of 25% of the average 1.6 million vehicles a day, to be on the road.

       “Given this, do expect congestion and possibly longer travelling time. Therefore, we advise motorists to plan their journeys to and from their hometowns.

       “Motorists heading to Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak (North) 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, reported Bernama.

       According to Zakaria, based on a study by PLUS, if motorists fail to comply with the recommended TTA, their journey home to Klang Valley, after Hari Raya, could be longer.

       “Based on the festive season travelling pattern simulation for motorists (travelling) from the north to Klang Valley, the journey can take up to 10 hours or two times longer than the average journey if they enter the highway after 9am.

       “Meanwhile, the journey from the south to the Klang Valley is expected to take more than seven hours or twice the duration compared to the average journey if they enter the highway after 9am,” he cautioned.

       The TTA issued by PLUS for highway journeys from April 29 to May 9 aims to distribute traffic and avoid congestion from entering the highways, stopping at toll plazas and rest areas simultaneously.

       “The TTA is designed to prevent traffic heading towards different destinations from converging with those heading to nearer places.

       “Therefore, adhering to the TTA would make a positive difference to one’s travelling experience,” Zakaria said.

       He added that aside from the TTA schedule, highway customers were also urged to use PLUS application, Waze or Google Map to obtain a better travel plan.

       Motorists can obtain the latest traffic information via Twitter@PLUSTrafik, PLUS application, PLUSLine 1800-88-0000, Chatbot PUTRI, electronic message signs (VMS) at selected locations, and follow the traffic report via leading national radio broadcast.

       PLUS also advises customers to adhere to traffic regulations and drive carefully while ensuring their vehicles are in good condition to reach their destinations safely to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their families.