PETALING JAYA: With Hari Raya fast approaching and the roads expected to be jammed with cars, some city dwellers have already started leaving for their hometowns to avoid the gridlock.

       From planning to leave as early as possible to preparing for the worst traffic by ensuring enough sleep and munchies to stay energetic, Malaysians are set for the biggest festive celebration in the country.

       Homemaker Puziah Md Rafdzi from Kuala Lumpur said her family will leave the city tonight or tomorrow morning after the pre-dawn meal (sahur) to avoid being caught in the major exodus.

       Puziah, whose hometowns are Lenggong and Taiping, Perak, lauded the government’s move to get toll operators to waive or reduce charges so the public could save money.

       It was reported that about two million cars are expected to ply the North-South Expressway daily during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

       Site supervisor Mohd Norhisham Mohd Johar, 31, from Klang, Selangor, said he would leave for his hometown on the east coast today.

       He said city dwellers from other states were excited to celebrate the festival with their loved ones in the kampung after a two-year hiatus.

       “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I couldn’t go back to my home town in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, during Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” he said.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced on Monday that all vehicles will enjoy toll-free travel or discounts up to 50% on local highways during Hari Raya.

       He said the free toll provisions involve the North-South Expressway under PLUS Malaysia and the East Coast Expressway (LPT) under Anih Bhd.

       Toll-free travel on the North-South Expressway and LPT will also be observed on May 7 and 8.

       States like Terengganu and Kelantan have declared May 5 an additional public holiday while Johor has declared May 2 a public holiday too.

       Marketing executive Nurul Izzati Shairpuddin, 25, said that the initiative would really help those in the lower- and middle-income brackets – B40 and M40 – to save money during the festival.

       Nurul Izzati, who is returning to Teluk Intan, Perak, early tomorrow morning, planned to get enough sleep before travelling.

       However, ehailing driver Junaidi Annuar, 62, said he would be willing to risk driving back to his hometown in Muar, Johor, on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, in hopes that traffic would be smoother.

       Asked if he would consider leaving early, he said: “Hopefully, it won’t be that bad. Muar is not as far the east coast.”

       Muslims in Malaysia are expected to celebrate Hari Raya, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, on May 3.

       Meanwhile, PLUS Malaysia corporate communications head Syed Mohammed Idid (pic above) advised road users to prepare for an extended journey time and make the necessary preparations to ensure a smooth journey.

       “Make sure you are well-rested and service your vehicle to ensure it is in top-notch working condition.

       “When travelling with young children, prepare tidbits and drinks. For babies, you should prepare milk and hot water, and if you are travelling with the elderly people, remember to pack their medications as well.

       He also advised drivers to use travel applications such as Waze, Google Maps, or the PLUS app to make better-informed travel decisions.