AN estimated 1.9 million vehicles are expected to enter and pass through Penang during the upcoming long holiday period, which includes Aidiladha, Wesak Day, the official birthday of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, and the school holidays.
The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), through the state Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), will intensify monitoring and enforcement operations at several key locations across the state.
Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said the movement of people and traffic flow nationwide is expected to spike ahead of Aidiladha on 27 and 28 May, followed by Wesak Day and the Agong’s official birthday from 31 May to 2 June.
A total of 145 officers and personnel from the Penang JSPT will be deployed throughout the period.
“This assignment still maintains the concept of ‘pre-emptive services and total enforcement’, which is an approach that emphasises early action and proactive preventive measures to address congestion and road accidents,” he said.
“The main objective is to ensure the safety of road users and reduce the rate of accidents and traffic congestion with dispersal actions on main routes in the state of Penang.”
“Focus is also given to areas where accidents often occur or blackspots and congestion to ensure smooth and safe traffic along the North-South Highway in addition to districts that contribute to the highest number of fatal accidents,” he added.
Among the roads identified as high-density zones and accident blackspots are Jalan Teluk Air Tawar-Jalan Bagan Luar in Seberang Prai Utara; Jalan Perusahaan Perai-Jalan Kulim in Seberang Perai Tengah; and Jalan Besar Simpang Ampat (KM12-KM32) in Seberang Perai Selatan.
In the Timur Laut District, the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway, Jalan Air Itam and Jalan Paya Terubong will also come under increased surveillance, alongside Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah and Jalan Tun Dr Awang in the Barat Daya District, as well as the North-South Highway (PLUS).
Azizee said that apart from JSPT, other departments involved include the Penang Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK), the Road Transport Department (JPJ), local authorities (PBT), and PLUS Bhd.
Source: The Vibes
