KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic flow on most major highways exiting the city centre is smoother now as Malaysians rush out of the city for the week's Hari Raya celebration.
Earlier, Bernama reported that the flow on the main highways exiting the Klang Valley was congested this afternoon as city folks began leaving for their hometowns.
A spokesperson from the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) said traffic flow towards the north was congested at the North-South Expressway (PLUS) from Bukit Lanjan to Rawang; Rawang Rest and Service Area to Bukit Beruntung; Bukit Tagar to Lembah Beringin; Tapah to Gopeng and Menora Tunnel to Kuala Kangsar.
A check by the New Straits Times at the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza (southbound) saw traffic under control as of 8.45pm.
Traffic on the Jalan Duta Toll Plaza (northbound), on the other hand was slow-moving at 6pm.
Site coordinator, Abdul Rahman Yulmi, 32, said he grabbed the opportunity to drive back to Seremban 3 with his family seeing that traffic is smooth.
"I am travelling with two young kids so the drive needs to be without hiccups.
"We specifically chose right after we break our fast so that we won't reach our destination too late," he said.
Contractor Ismail Mohamad, 27, who is heading back to his hometown in Serkam, Melaka said he prefers riding his motorcycle to avoid any traffic build up.
"Tonight (April 9) is also quite breezy so I enjoy the ride better but of course since parts of the highway is dark safety is a priority," he said.
"I am riding back home in a convoy with my brother so we will take our time.
"We all live in KL but there is nothing like spending Hari Raya where we grew up," he added.
Rapid KL train captain Mohd Ferdaus Mohd Jamin, 38, said he is lucky to get a holiday during this festive period because he works in public transport.
"I also just got to know about my leave being approved today, that is why I'm on the road at the last minute.
"I will be heading to Batu Pahat, Johor with my family and we are also going to travel in a convoy back to my parents home," he said.
Authorities expect a surge of over two million travellers over the festive week, especially among those making last-minute journeys back to their hometowns.
The festive period also saw a toll-free travel exclusively for Class 1 vehicles (private vehicles) for two days starting Apr 8.
The toll exemption ends at 11.59pm tonight (April 9).
To further facilitate traffic flow, SmartLane activation has been announced in several locations by PLUS Trafik's official X account.
