The country is still under various levels of the Movement Control Order (MCO) since it was introduced in March this year as a way to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. However, over the year, as the situation has changed, the conditions of the MCO have been varied and right now, with interstate travel being permitted again (except through Red Zones), many more vehicles are on the highways.
PLUS Malaysia Berhad expects a big increase in traffic volume on its highways over the next few days, especially as today is a holiday in Selangor (Sultan’s birthday). As the Klang Valley has the biggest vehicle population, it is expected that many may take the opportunity to travel to see relatives in kampungs, or just go on a long-missed holiday.
Plan your route, get help from PUTRI
The high volume of traffic may not be like the festive season periods but nevertheless, PLUS advises motorists to plan their journeys before departing. To do journey planning, they can check live highway CCTV feeds and consult PUTRI, a real-time customer texting interface to assist with any enquiries & feedback. Alternatively, they can also call the PLUSLINE 1-800-88-0000 or send an e-mail with their enquiry or feedback to customerfeedback@plus.com.my.
The concessionaire is prepared for the increased traffic but also hopes that motorists will cooperate by ensuring their Touch‘NGo cards and e-Wallets are sufficiently reloaded to minimize disruptions and need for physical interactions. There are over 13,000 locations nationwide to help highway customers reload their cards early.
RFID for quicker passage
For those travelling northwards, PLUS recommends that they set the auto-reload on their e-Wallets to facilitate a new, contactless experience via RFID, currently available as part of public pilot at the Sungai Dua – Hutan Kampung stretch of PLUS (in the northern region) as well as all Open System toll plazas nationwide.
Remember the SOPs
While there is freedom to travel longer distances and across borders, the Standard Operating Procedures must still be followed, meaning social distancing, use of facemasks, temperature checks and washing hands, among others. You would also be required to register in a record book or scan a QR code.
“PLUS is taking all necessary precautions to ensure our customers’ safety, comfort & convenience including at the Rest & Service Areas (R&R). I would like to appeal to all our customers to support PLUS’ efforts in ensuring compliance with all health and safety procedures throughout their journey by wearing face masks, maintaining physical distancing and practicing good personal hygiene. In order to promote safe physical distancing, we also recommend our customers to pre-order food and drinks using the PLUS mobile app,” said PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail.
He also reminded motorists to be cautious and to practice safe driving at all times, especially as this is the season of rainy weather throughout the country. Having a bigger gap between vehicles and switching on headlights is recommended.
