Ahead of the upcoming Aidilfitri festival season, the Ministry of Works has announced the reactivation of the SmartLane system on major highways, including the North-South Highway (PLUS). Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam, the Secretary General of the Ministry, highlighted improvements made to the system based on feedback received during its previous activation, particularly during the Chinese New Year celebrations, as reported by Sinar Harian.
During the previous implementation, road users provided valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the SmartLane system, which led to adjustments to enhance its efficiency. Hasnol expressed gratitude for this feedback and emphasised the ministry’s commitment to continually refining the system to ensure road safety and smoother traffic flow.
In response to previous criticisms regarding a lack of notification about SmartLane activation locations, Hasnol urged relevant concession companies to communicate clearly with road users regarding the activation dates and the number of SmartLane locations on each highway. This measure aims to minimise confusion and ensure that road users understand the purpose of the SmartLane, preventing misunderstandings during its operation.
With Ramadan fast approaching, highway authorities are revving up efforts to guarantee hassle-free journeys for commuters navigating the bustling roads during the Ramadan month.
Spearheading the charge, Sazali Harun, the Director-General of the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), underscored the imperative of robust preparations to accommodate the anticipated surge in traffic flow on toll highways once Ramadan starts on Tuesday.
Harun emphasised the importance of anticipating the surge by implementing various initiatives. These include adjusting the operational hours of tidal lanes or smart lanes to align with changed work schedules. Additionally, ensuring impeccable maintenance of all amenities at rest areas, lay-bys, and toll plazas, including water supply and cleanliness, remains a top priority.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that toll concessions for highways in the Kuala Lumpur area could potentially be renegotiated in the future, once the country’s financial situation sees improvement.
According to FMT, Anwar concurred with the sentiment that there are currently too many toll plazas surrounding the federal capital. He acknowledged that if the government were to abolish tolls, compensation would be required for the concessionaires. Presently, contractual obligations with these concessionaires are binding, but Anwar expressed optimism that renegotiations could occur once the nation’s financial strength is bolstered.
Anwar addressed toll-related matters as inherited challenges from previous administrations during a dialogue session at a Madani Rakyat fair. He referenced ongoing negotiations initiated by the government on November 17 with highway concessionaires to restructure tolls for 19 highways.
Abdul Rahman Mohamad, the former deputy works minister, had previously stated that the 19 highways under negotiation included those managed by various entities such as Amanat Lebuhraya Rakyat, Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings, IJM Corporation, Anih Bhd, and PLUS Malaysia, encompassing a range of key expressways in the Kuala Lumpur region.
PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) is gearing up for the anticipated surge in traffic on its highways during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration. To ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for highway users, PLUS has outlined four key strategies focusing on user comfort, traffic management, traffic distribution, and efficient communication.
Highway Users’ Comfort
PLUS Chief Operating Officer, Datuk Ir Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi, emphasised the priority of managing congestion at toll plazas and the mainline to enhance user comfort. To achieve this, PLUS will deploy 450 PLUSRonda personnel for highway patrol, station 1,500 staff at toll plazas, and ensure all toll lanes are operational. Additionally, maintenance staff will ensure cleanliness at rest areas, with extra facilities such as toilets and temporary parking areas provided at selected locations.
Traffic & Efficient Incident Management
PLUS is committed to efficient traffic management and incident handling during the festive season. Lane closures will be minimised from 5th to 16th February 2024, except for emergencies and critical works. The SmartLane will be utilised to increase lane capacity, while a heavy vehicle ban enforced on specific dates aims to facilitate smoother traffic flow.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has revealed that the Malaysian government aims to install an additional 100 electric vehicle (EV) charging points, particularly along tolled highways such as the North-South Expressway (PLUS), by 2025. This initiative is in response to the growing number of electric vehicles on the roads.
Currently, there are 60 EV charging points located at rest and service (R&R) areas and petrol stations along the PLUS Highway and East Coast Expressway (LPT). As stated by Bernama, these charging points, managed by operators like TNB Electron and Gentari, include locations such as Ayer Keroh R&R (northbound), Seremban R&R (northbound), and Paka R&R (northbound).
The move to increase the number of EV charging points aligns with the evolving landscape of future highways, addressing the challenges posed by the rising popularity of electric vehicles. Additionally, the government is exploring new concepts for R&R areas, smart highways, and energy-efficient solutions like Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting.
In the spirit of Malaysia Madani’s unity, the Malaysian government, in a Cabinet Meeting on January 18, 2023, has approved toll-free access for highway users for two days in celebration of Deepavali, observed on November 12, 2023. The Ministry of Works (KKR) has collaborated with concession companies to implement this toll-free initiative, scheduled to commence on November 11, 2023, at 12:01 am and conclude on November 12, 2023, at 11:59 pm. Toll exemptions will be applicable to all vehicle classes at all toll plazas except those at the national border, namely the Sultan Iskandar Building Toll Plaza (BSI) and the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza, Johor.
This initiative is a gesture of celebration for all Malaysians, with a special focus on the Indian Hindu community marking the Deepavali festival. Aligned with the Government’s Unity aspirations, the toll-free access aims to ease the burden on the people, fostering unity across religious, ethnic, and belief diversity. The chosen date is strategic to avoid traffic congestion during travel back to hometowns and return to the city. It also facilitates logistical operations and coordination, including traffic control management, additional facilities, and other logistical needs at rest areas and Rest & Service Areas (R&R) along the highway. The estimated traffic volume during these two days is approximately 11.8 million vehicles.
Highway users are encouraged to plan their journeys wisely, taking advantage of the toll-free period. Adherence to recommended travel schedules and safety practices is emphasised to ensure a safe and meaningful Deepavali celebration with loved ones. The toll-free initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering harmony and inclusivity in the nation.
Just like the recent Chinese New Year celebration where highways were toll-free, there have been talks about the same initiative for the upcoming Raya festival.
During a recent event in Klang, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook teased the potential toll rebates confirming that individuals planning to ‘balik kampung’ or return to their hometown this holiday season will certainly receive some “good news”.
In a statement released today, Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (LLM) and the highway concessions welcome the recommendations of YB Minister of Public Works regarding the implementation of the open toll payment system.
Taking into account the environment of the current toll system, LLM and highway concession companies will collaborate to ensure a smooth implementation of the open toll payment system.
The first major festival of 2023 – Chinese New Year – is coming and as with other festivals, the roads will be filled with more traffic. In fact, it’s already started in the cities as many people grumble about the increased volume lately, making it longer getting around.
In the days just before Chinese New Year, which falls on January 20, the highways are going to start to see more traffic and PLUS estimates that the volume could reach 2 million vehicles on its highway network on the peak days. That’s 20% higher than the number on normal days, so be prepared for journeys to take longer and the R&R places to be more crowded.
The country is still under various levels of the Movement Control Order (MCO) since it was introduced in March this year as a way to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. However, over the year, as the situation has changed, the conditions of the MCO have been varied and right now, with interstate travel being permitted again (except through Red Zones), many more vehicles are on the highways.
PLUS Malaysia Berhad expects a big increase in traffic volume on its highways over the next few days, especially as today is a holiday in Selangor (Sultan’s birthday). As the Klang Valley has the biggest vehicle population, it is expected that many may take the opportunity to travel to see relatives in kampungs, or just go on a long-missed holiday.
Plan your route, get help from PUTRI
The high volume of traffic may not be like the festive season periods but nevertheless, PLUS advises motorists to plan their journeys before departing. To do journey planning, they can check live highway CCTV feeds and consult PUTRI, a real-time customer texting interface to assist with any enquiries & feedback. Alternatively, they can also call the PLUSLINE 1-800-88-0000 or send an e-mail with their enquiry or feedback to customerfeedback@plus.com.my.
The concessionaire is prepared for the increased traffic but also hopes that motorists will cooperate by ensuring their Touch‘NGo cards and e-Wallets are sufficiently reloaded to minimize disruptions and need for physical interactions. There are over 13,000 locations nationwide to help highway customers reload their cards early.
RFID for quicker passage
For those travelling northwards, PLUS recommends that they set the auto-reload on their e-Wallets to facilitate a new, contactless experience via RFID, currently available as part of public pilot at the Sungai Dua – Hutan Kampung stretch of PLUS (in the northern region) as well as all Open System toll plazas nationwide.
Remember the SOPs
While there is freedom to travel longer distances and across borders, the Standard Operating Procedures must still be followed, meaning social distancing, use of facemasks, temperature checks and washing hands, among others. You would also be required to register in a record book or scan a QR code.
“PLUS is taking all necessary precautions to ensure our customers’ safety, comfort & convenience including at the Rest & Service Areas (R&R). I would like to appeal to all our customers to support PLUS’ efforts in ensuring compliance with all health and safety procedures throughout their journey by wearing face masks, maintaining physical distancing and practicing good personal hygiene. In order to promote safe physical distancing, we also recommend our customers to pre-order food and drinks using the PLUS mobile app,” said PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail.
Drive cautiously in rainy weather and have your lights on.
He also reminded motorists to be cautious and to practice safe driving at all times, especially as this is the season of rainy weather throughout the country. Having a bigger gap between vehicles and switching on headlights is recommended.
