Penang Aidilfitri Travel Surge: 2.6 Million Vehicles Expected

Every holiday season, all eyes turn to the island city of Penang as throngs of holidaymakers flock to its shores for the famous food and stunning beaches. This upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri will be no different.

Bernama reports that Penang is bracing for an influx of about 2.6 million vehicles, based on data from the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), which monitors vehicle movement along the North-South Expressway (PLUS) during Op Selamat 24.

State Deputy Police Chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin explained that Penang’s strategic position between Kedah and Perak makes it a key transit point, contributing to the high volume of traffic.

To manage the expected traffic surge, JSPT will deploy 331 personnel for patrol and traffic control throughout the operation period. Furthermore, only 10 per cent of the Penang police force -approximately 6,700 officers have been granted Hari Raya leave, with the rest remaining on duty.

In addition to traffic management, law enforcement will focus on patrolling residential areas and villages to safeguard properties left vacant during the festive season, ensuring public safety and security.