Penang Braces For 1.9 Mln Vehicles Amid Holiday Rush, Police Intensify Traffic Ops

GEORGE TOWN, May 22 (Bernama) -- Penang is expected to see approximately 1.9 million vehicles enter and pass through the state during the back-to-back public holidays from May 27 to June 2.

Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said this will prompt the state contingent of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to ramp up traffic monitoring and enforcement.

He noted that the surge in traffic flow is expected as people travel back to their hometowns and go on holiday for Hari Raya Aidiladha, Wesak Day, and the Official Birthday of His Majesty the King.

"Penang is one of the country's top tourist destinations and a strategic route for motorists. To ensure smooth traffic flow and optimal road safety, PDRM, through the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), will step up monitoring and enforcement operations at key locations," he said in a statement last night.

Azizee said PDRM will maintain the "Pre-Emptive Services and Total Enforcement" assignment concept, which emphasises early action and proactive preventive measures to reduce congestion and the risk of road accidents. 

He added that monitoring will also be stepped up at blackspots and congestion hotspots along the North–South Expressway (PLUS) to ensure smooth travel. 

"We are also focusing on districts with the highest number of fatal accidents and congestion hotspots, including Jalan Teluk Air Tawar–Jalan Bagan Luar in Seberang Perai Utara, Jalan Perusahaan Perai–Jalan Kulim in Seberang Perai Tengah, Jalan Besar Simpang Empat in Seberang Perai Selatan, and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway," he said.

He said 145 officers and personnel from the Penang JSPT will be directly involved in the operation, in collaboration with the Department of Crime Prevention and Community Safety, the Road Transport Department, local authorities and PLUS.

Azizee also stressed that offences such as speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, using the emergency lane, running red lights, queue-jumping, and overtaking on double lines will face immediate enforcement action. 

-- BERNAMA