ALOR SETAR: The police are expecting more than 1.4 million vehicles to enter Kedah during the coming Hari Raya celebration compared to about 500,000 vehicles two years ago.

       Kedah Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Supt Mohd Mahiri Hussin attributed the expected increase to the people taking advantage of the opportunity to return to their hometown after two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “We have set up a special team that will control and monitor traffic, especially in the Kota Setar, Kuala Muda, Kulim and Kubang Pasu districts, where the roads are busier and have higher accident rate,” he said yesterday, Bernama reported.

       Earlier, he launched the police-Petronas “Jelajah Pra Op Selamat 18” programme which was held in conjunction with the Hari Raya celebration.

       Supt Mohd Mahiri said more than 400 traffic policemen would be on duty to monitor and control traffic during Op Selamat 18 which starts on April 29 to May 8.

       “The police will also take stricter action against road bullies and mat rempit (illegal motorcycle racers),” he said.

       He advised parents to monitor their children’s whereabouts and activities.