ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor police have frozen all leave for the Traffic Department in anticipation of the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities and reduced the number of leave applications to only 10% for other departments.

       Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said police are expecting traffic congestion around the city centre as people make last-minute preparations for the holidays.

       “We expect congestion, but it will be controlled congestion, so we will mobilise all of our traffic personnel to monitor and patrol the highways and city centre to ensure smooth traffic flow.

       “At the same time, we would also like to remind the public to drive safely.

       "Stern action will be taken against those who drive dangerously or cut queues," he told reporters after the handing over ceremony for the Iskandar Puteri OCPD post at district police headquarters here on Sunday (April 24).

       He added that police had also started road safety surveillance under Ops Selamat in conjunction with Hari Raya.

       “The state-level operation will be launched on Tuesday (April 26), but we have already deployed personnel to petrol stations to spread safety awareness.

       “We have also held a discussion with the local authorities to make sure that each and every traffic light in the city is functioning properly and to make immediate repairs in case of any breakdown,” he added.