KUALA LUMPUR – Social media is abuzz today with confused road users as they encountered massive traffic jams and roadblocks set up in almost all districts nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
In many areas, police personnel were seen to have set up tents since midnight, and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said in a statement that this is to prevent crime and ensure public safety.
Police added that the roadblocks will not be in effect during peak hours and urged the public to cooperate with the authorities.
Many frustrated drivers have taken to social media to complain of being stuck in traffic for hours.
Twitter user @oamteh said he was stuck in traffic for three hours because of the roadblocks, and that he made a turnabout to work from home.
He added that he had to apologise to his boss and it has “ruined my performance”.
User @helloitsarina said not only were there more cars on the road today, but the roadblocks during the morning rush made things worse.
There are also people questioning the timing of the roadblocks that resulted in single lanes during peak hours.
Meanwhile, user @izwnnrdn asked: “Lots of roadblocks today. (But) why do they still want to do it in the morning during peak hour?”
A road user in Sandakan, Chan Tzun Hei said roadblocks could trigger speculation and public anxiety during the current political uncertainty.
“It is completely unnecessary and might create panic.”
He said while the public does not blame police for taking precautionary measures, roadblocks may not be the best option to keep the peace as they are causing traffic jams. – The Vibes, November 23, 2022
