DATUK SERI Anwar Ibrahim has urged those travelling to their hometowns for Hari Raya Aidilfitri to prioritise road safety and remain vigilant on the roads.
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of caution during the festive season, warning that the celebrations of Aidilfitri could be marred by tragedy if the rising number of road accidents persists.
“As Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches, many people will be heading home. We encourage all drivers to stay alert and cautious to avoid accidents, especially as the numbers have already been increasing. It is crucial that we all do our part to prevent any tragedies,” he said.
“This is a reminder to everyone, as our journeys are meant to strengthen family bonds for Aidilfitri. However, accidents can bring not only personal grief but also sorrow to our loved ones,” he added.
The Prime Minister made these remarks after attending Friday prayers with over 1,000 worshippers at Masjid Jamek Raja Tun Uda in Seksyen 16 earlier today.
Following the prayers, he took the opportunity to speak with congregants before heading to the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) Complex to observe the public’s preparations for the upcoming festival.
Spending around 30 minutes at the popular shopping centre in Shah Alam, which is known for supporting Bumiputera entrepreneurs, Anwar browsed through various stores and checked prices ahead of Aidilfitri.
Accompanied by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee Chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi, Anwar greeted traders and shoppers, who were visibly pleased to see the Prime Minister at the 48-year-old landmark shopping complex.
On the same note, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on road users to adopt a considerate and respectful attitude to ensure that the journey home for Hari Raya Aidilfitri is safe, comfortable, and meaningful.
In a Facebook post today, Zahid stressed that returning to one’s hometown for the festive season is not only a cherished tradition but also a responsibility to ensure the safety of oneself and loved ones.
“This balik kampung (returning to the village) phenomenon is often met with major challenges, including heavy traffic congestion that strains the road system, as well as an increased risk of accidents due to tired drivers, congestion at Rest and Service (R&R) areas, and violations of traffic regulations,” he said.
He urged motorists to avoid provocations, aggressive driving, or reckless behaviour that could lead to tragedy. “There is nothing more meaningful than seeing the faces of our loved ones welcoming our return with smiles, not tears,” he added.
Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, shared information from PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS), which has forecasted a 20 per cent increase in daily traffic flow during the festive season. This is expected to result in an estimated 2.2 million vehicles on the roads each day.
The traffic flow is predicted to peak on major routes, including the East Coast Highway (LPT) and alternative routes to the East Coast, which will experience significant congestion.
Additionally, traffic on federal and state roads is anticipated to rise by between 15 and 25 per cent. – March 28, 2025
