PLUS: Here are the best times to travel during CNY 2022

PLUS is expecting 1.4 million to 1.6 million cars utilising their network of highways during this year’s Chinese New Year celebration. With that many cars on the road, there is bound to be traffic congestions. To help its users get to their destination smoothly, PLUS has created a Travel Time Advisory (TTA) for the North-South Highway (NSE). The TTA is applicable between 28th January 2022 to 6th February 2022.

PLUS recommends that travellers who are travelling from the Klang Valley to northern parts like Perlis, Kedah, Penang and North Perak or the southernmost region of the peninsular, Johor, it is advisable to get on the highway before 10am. For other states, PLUS recommends to get on the highway after 1pm.

As for the journey back to Klang Valley from any state, it is advisable to get on the highway before 9am.

PLUS Chief Operating Officer, Datuk Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi says that the TTA would prevent congestion at converging points on the highway. An example of these converging points are toll booths before entering the highway.

But before you enter the highway, please make sure that you are well rested, especially if the journey is long. Next, get your vehicle inspected and serviced by a workshop. Check that the tyre threads are not worn down and that it is inflated with the correct tyre pressure. Generally, you can find the tyre pressure information on the driver door sill.

Lastly, have sufficient balance in both the Touch ‘n Go card and Touch ‘n Go eWallet. PLUS has enabled RFID payment throughout its highway network, which includes the NSE. For a more smoother experience, RFID users have the option of enabling the auto reload function in the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app. Do note that if you enter the highway using RFID, you need to exit using RFID to avoid incurring penalty charges.

As for Touch ‘n Go cards linked to the eWallet, as of writing, PLUS does not yet support PayDirect function. To recap, this allows for the fare to be deducted from your eWallet instead of the balance on the physical card.

If you’re worried about chaos that happened to PLUS users on 17th of January, rest assured that PLUS has taken the steps to fix their mess. The chaos happened because PLUS removed SmartTAG lanes at some toll plazas without notice. However, due to backlash from users and an order from the Cabinet, PLUS put out a statement saying it will reinstated 43 SmartTAG lanes at 34 toll plazas.

Speaking about chaos, to avoid taking wrong directions, PLUS recommends using a navigation service like Google Maps and Waze. If your car is equipped with satellite navigation with traffic information like on BMWs, that should be fine as well.

While on the highway, Datuk Zakaria wants to remind all passengers to fasten their seatbelts, especially those in the back. If there is a toddler on board, please use a child seat and not sit the toddler on your lap.

During this travel period, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will be using in-car radar and number plate scanners to catch traffic offenders on the highway. Furthermore, Malaysia is currently experiencing bad weather, therefore expect wet road conditions and reduced visibility. So, it’s best to keep to the speed limit and practice safe driving etiquette.

If you’re stopping at any R&Rs to dine-in, know that you need to be fully vaccinated. If you do dine-in, as it should be the norm by now, remember to scan the MySejahtera QR code and practice social distancing.

To help with your planning, traffic related updates can be obtained from:

• PLUS App’s journey planner CCTV function. Available on Android and iOS
• @plustrafik on Twitter
• P.U.T.R.I (PLUS Unique Texting Realtime Interface) chatbot via their website
• Electronic messaging signages along the highway

Should you require assistance, the PLUS highway patrol team, PLUSRonda can be contacted via the PLUSLine at 1800 88 0000.

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