Akmal Azhar
Are we expecting traffic jams just like 2024, In the next few days
Malaysia’s annual balik kampung (homecoming) tradition for Eid al-Fitr once again brought severe traffic gridlock, with highways like the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and East Coast Expressway (LPT) jammed for kilometers. Over 2 million vehicles flooded roads as urban workers returned to hometowns, turning usual 4-hour drives into 12-hour odysseys.
Social media buzzed with videos of bumper-to-bumper traffic, overcrowded rest stops, and frustrated travelers. The government had urged staggered travel and offered toll discounts, but accidents and breakdowns worsened delays.
Public transport saw record demand, with trains and buses fully booked weeks in advance. Authorities called the congestion “inevitable” due to Eid’s cultural weight, pledging smarter traffic tech for future exoduses.
Practical Takeaway: Travelers are advised to avoid peak dates, use real-time traffic apps (e.g., Waze, PLUS Traffic), and pack essentials for long hauls during festive rushes.
Zakirin
Yusri Ng
