KL police gear up for safe Chinese New Year travel - Op Selamat 21 activated, 50 high traffic areas identified

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have pinpointed 50 high-traffic areas and 11 accident-prone zones within the city.

According to a report in NST, KL city's top cop, Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid, announced that to ensure safety during the Chinese New Year, 140 traffic law enforcement members will take part in 'Op Selamat 21.'

He detailed that hotspot zones include stretches like Jalan Tun Razak from Bulatan Pahang to Jalan Cheras/Jalan Ikan Ayu, and from Jalan Kampung Kerinchi/Bangsar South to Jalan Sultan Ismail/Jalan Bukit Bintang.

Critical accident zones, or blackspots, are identified along Jalan Loke Yew, Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Cheras, and Jalan Kuching, he revealed during a press briefing.

In light of these findings, Allaudeen urged the public to adhere to travel timings recommended by highway authorities.

He emphasized the importance of being well-rested and ensuring vehicles are in prime condition before embarking on any journey.

Allaudeen cautioned against hurrying during the festive season, stressing the importance of a safe trip to avoid turning the celebration into a day of sorrow.

He encouraged motorists to drive respectfully while heading back to their hometowns.

Furthermore, he advised ensuring homes are securely locked before leaving for hometown visits and to notify the nearest police station or use the updated Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) app for added security.

NST also reported earlier that In anticipation of the bustling Chinese New Year period, the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) has forecasted a significant uptick in highway traffic.

The body predicts that on the busiest days, around 2.4 million vehicles will navigate the country's highway networks. Specifically, the North-South Expressway (NSE) is expected to accommodate 1.5 million vehicles, while the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway and both phases of the East Coast Highway are projected to see 199,000 and 167,000 vehicles, respectively.

To ensure a seamless travel experience, MHA has directed toll operators to prioritize user safety and traffic flow.

As part of the measures to manage the increased volume, lane closures on highways will be prohibited from February 5 to 14, barring emergency situations. Additionally, the implementation of smart-lane routes on the NSE and tidal-flow lanes on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway has been advised.

Toll operators are also tasked with ensuring that highway infrastructures, particularly rest-and-service areas and rest stops, are fully operational to cater to the needs of travelers. This includes ensuring the toll collection systems are efficient to prevent bottlenecks at toll plazas and adding temporary toll lanes where necessary.

To enhance convenience, extra parking spaces and mobile toilet facilities will be made available at select rest-and-service areas along the NSE, Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway, and the first phase of the East Coast Highway.

Furthermore, an increase in staff to uphold cleanliness standards in toilets and ensure the availability of water and oil supplies at petrol stations has been mandated.

Highway users are advised to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained, to have sufficient funds in their Touch 'n Go cards or e-wallets, and to enable the pay-wave function on their debit or credit cards for a smoother toll payment process. Compliance with traffic signs, especially when using smart lanes, is essential, and motorcyclists are encouraged to use designated shelters during adverse weather conditions.

In a move to celebrate the festive season, the government had already announced a toll waiver for private vehicles on February 8 and 9.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi highlighted that this initiative would cost the government RM42.99 million, underscoring their commitment to easing the financial burden on Malaysians during the holiday period.

Also Read:  Malaysia announces free toll on 8,9 Feb in conjunction with Chinese New Year