GEORGE TOWN: Some 1.5 million vehicles are expected to enter Penang during the Hari Raya period.

       State police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the influx of vehicles is expected to begin on Friday (April 29), and to peak during the week of the festival.

       "I would like to remind motorists to always be more courteous on the road and make sure they follow all traffic rules," he said after launching Ops Selamat 18 at the Bayan Baru Ramadan Bazaar.

       On Ops Selamat 18, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said more than 700 personnel will be deployed during Hari Raya festival to ensure smooth traffic.

       He said Ops Selamat 18 which will begin for 10 days beginning April 29 until May 8, aimed to reduce road accidents, especially fatal accidents, to focus on traffic enforcement and service to the public and to ensure the safety of the houses left vacant during the festive period.

       He said the operation would be assisted by the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK), Road Transport Department (JPJ), local authorities and Department of Environment.

       Comm Mohd Shuhaily said police have identified several accident-prone roads including Jalan Teluk Ayer Tawar - Jalan Bagan Luar in North Seberang Prai, Jalan Perusahaan Prai-Jalan Kulim in Central Seberang Prai, Jalan Besar Simpang Empat (KM12-KM32) in South Seberang Prai, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and Jalan Ayer Itam in the northeast district and Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah and Jalan Tun Dr Awang in the southwest district.

       Comm Mohd Shuhaily also took the opportunity to greet the public and traders at the Ramadan Bazaar during the walkabout prior to the launch of Ops Selamat 18.

       Also present during the launch were Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin and Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan.