KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic is already building up along most major highways nationwide as motorists start making their way back to their hometowns for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities.

       As at 5pm yesterday, heavy traffic was reported heading north from Juru along the North-South Expressway (NSE).

       According to the @plustrafik Twitter page, traffic was also slow-moving on the Penang Bridge from the island heading to Perai.

       PLUS Malaysia Bhd, in a tweet, said 1,100 toll booths would be in operation throughout this period.

       It added that over 1,500 customer service assistants would be on duty to help keep traffic flowing.

       Several accidents also occurred, which contributed to traffic congestion along the NSE.

       Rela personnel would be in place at various locations for traffic management while HQ Reserve Units would also be placed at strategic locations.

       PLUS advised motorists to stop on the emergency lane only when experiencing an emergency or vehicle breakdown.

       It also urged users to place an emergency triangle at least 45m away from the vehicle as an early warning to other motorists.

       Affected motorists should stand behind the guardrails until help arrives.

       City police chief Comm Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim urged members of the public to ensure their houses were locked up before leaving.

       “We predict that over one million vehicles would be leaving Kuala Lumpur for Hari Raya Aidilfitri but it might be higher as it has been two years since people were allowed to balik kampung due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “Based on our observation at the Jalan Duta toll plaza along the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) on Friday, many motorists were heading home after finishing work and picking up their children from school.

       “We have not seen the real exodus yet which would probably occur later tonight and Saturday,” he told reporters at the Jalan Duta toll plaza.

       He added that only 10% of the City police force would be granted leave during this period to ensure patrols and traffic management operations were conducted without any issue.

       “Ensure your vehicles are well maintained so that they do not break down along the way and cause traffic congestion,” he said.