TRAFFIC heading east from the Klang Valley began to thicken since this morning as Malaysians embarked on journeys to their hometowns in anticipation of Aidilfitri celebrations.
A spokesperson for the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) reported congestion along several stretches, including between Gombak and Genting Sempah, as well as from Bukit Tinggi to Lentang.
"LLM expects traffic volume to increase further from midday following the 50 per cent toll discount, which began at midnight and will run until 11.59 pm tomorrow," the spokesperson told Bernama.
While flow to northern and southern destinations remained largely smooth, minor bottlenecks were observed between Bandar Baharu and Jawi due to a broken-down lorry.
Authorities have urged motorists to adhere to speed limits, maintain safe distances, and plan their trips using the Travel Time Advisory (TTA) via the MyPLUS-TTA app or obtain updates through the toll-free PLUSLine at 1-800-88-0000, LLM’s hotline at 1-800-88-7752, or their social media accounts @plustrafik and @llmtrafik.
Amid the holiday traffic, city residents continue to rely on public transport, preferring trains and buses over the frustrations of daily road congestion.
A survey by Harian Metro highlighted that most urban commuters use the monorail, Light Rail Transit (LRT), Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), KTM Komuter, and buses as their primary means of travel for work and errands.
Student Hannah Nur Naimah Suhaimi, 21, said she had relied on public transport since her secondary school days, citing ease of connectivity and cost savings through government initiatives like the My50 pass and student card schemes.
"I have been using public transport since secondary school until now. For me, it is very easy to reach many places, and with the My50 pass and student card initiatives from the government, it helps me save on my monthly expenses.
“Usually, I travel earlier because public transport is widely used, and during peak hours, such as going to or returning from work, it is expected to be crowded and require queuing.
“For me, the situation is still acceptable because the waiting time for the next train is not too long. Even if I drive, I would still face traffic congestion, so it is the same," she said.
Traditional masseuse Jamilah Jantan, 62, also praised the country’s public transport system, describing it as cleaner and more organised than systems in cities such as New York or Jakarta.
"I have been using public transport since I was 10 years old during my schooling days in Kampung Baru. Until now, I am still comfortable taking buses and the LRT.
“If you look at social media, many compare it with other countries such as New York or Jakarta, and most agree that our public transport is cleaner and more organised," she said.
Meanwhile, private sector employee Azureen Zainal, 25, said she has chosen public transport over the past three years to reduce daily expenses.
"I live in Petaling Jaya and the roads are always congested, so I feel that using public transport helps reduce both time and cost. My satisfaction level when using public transport is about four out of five because there are still many things that can be improved, such as maintenance," she said.
As Malaysians navigate the dual pressures of holiday travel and daily commuting, authorities continue to emphasise the importance of planning ahead and adhering to safety measures on both highways and public transit systems. - March 18, 2026
