1.9 million vehicles expected to enter Penang for long holidays starting this week

APPROXIMATELY 1.9 million vehicles are expected to enter and pass through Penang, in conjunction with the long holidays for several celebrations, including school holidays and Aidiladha, starting this week.

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), through the state Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, will intensify monitoring and enforcement operations at several focused locations.

Penang Police Chief, Datuk Azizee Ismail, said the movement of people and traffic flow nationwide is expected to increase significantly ahead of Aidiladha on May 27 to 28, followed by Wesak Day and the Official Birthday of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong between May 31 and June 2.

He said that a total of 145 officers and personnel from the Penang Contingent Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) will be directly involved 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.

"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 said.

Among the roads identified as having high vehicle density 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 (SPS).

In addition, the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway, Jalan Air Itam and Jalan Paya Terubong are in the Timur Laut District, respectively; Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah and Jalan Tun Dr Awang in the Barat Daya District, as well as the highways.

Azizee said that, apart from JSPT, other departments involved include the Penang Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK) as well as enforcement agencies such as the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Local Authorities (PBT), and PLUS Bhd. – May 22, 2026