KUALA LUMPUR (March 28): Road users are advised to adopt a considerate and respectful attitude to ensure that the journey back to their hometowns in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration is a safe, comfortable and meaningful experience.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, through a post on Facebook on Friday, said that the journey back to their hometowns is not just a festive season tradition, but also a trust to ensure the safety of oneself and loved ones to arrive safely at their destination.

"This balik kampung phenomenon is often accompanied by major challenges, namely extraordinary road congestion which puts pressure on the road system in addition to an increased risk of accidents due to tired drivers, congestion at Rest and Service (R&R) areas and violations of traffic rules.

"Avoid provocation, aggressive driving or hasty behaviour that risks inviting tragedy. "There is nothing more meaningful than seeing the faces of our loved ones welcoming our return with smiles, not tears," said the deputy prime minister who also wished them a happy Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the minister of rural and regional development, in the same post shared that PLUS Malaysia Bhd's (PLUS) forecast on daily traffic flow which is expected to increase by up to 20%, is equivalent to 2.2 million vehicles per day during the festive season.

PLUS also predicted that main routes such as the East Coast Highway (LPT) and alternative routes to the East Coast, will experience extraordinary congestion while traffic on federal and state roads is expected to increase between 15% and 25%.

Read also:
Anwar advises travellers to drive safely in Raya exodus
Slow-moving traffic on several major highways with motorist heading home for Raya holidays

Uploaded by Felyx Teoh