Penang police have warned organisers of motorcycle and vehicle convoys to plan their routes carefully, citing an expected surge in traffic volume during the upcoming school holidays, long weekends and major events across the entire state.
State police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng said the advisory also reflects ongoing construction work across the state, including the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit project along several major corridors, which demands that convoy movements be planned according to current traffic conditions, Malay Mail reported.
Organisers must notify the relevant district police in advance so that authorities can assess the route, number of participants, timing, stopover locations and prevailing traffic conditions, Lim said in a statement. The assessment will determine whether the convoy can proceed without compromising safety, public order or traffic flow.
Participants must not obstruct or disrupt traffic, including by stopping in groups at intersections, along roadsides or at locations that pose a danger to other road users, Lim said. Escorts and marshals must not assume the role of police or traffic officers, including by stopping vehicles, directing other road users to give way or diverting traffic without authorisation.
Sirens, beacon lights and similar equipment remain off-limits on private vehicles, and all participants must maintain discipline and avoid dangerous stunts throughout the convoy.
Organisers should also factor in ongoing construction work, lane closures and traffic diversions when mapping their route and timing. The Mutiara Line LRT project, which runs through several important corridors in the state, has already caused periodic lane restrictions. Lim stressed that enforcement action will be taken against anyone committing offences under the law, but said Penang police have no objection to convoys that are organised responsibly.
The advisory comes as motorcycle and vehicle convoys are expected to increase ahead of National Day celebrations, The Star reported. Lim recently flagged off the Royal Malaysia Police and Ipoh Superbiker’s Club Charity Motorcycle Convoy Programme in Nibong Tebal in conjunction with the 69th National Day and 219th Police Day celebrations, with Negri Sembilan police chief Comm Datuk Alzafny Ahmad representing Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
