With Chinese New Year just around the corner, it’s time to brace yourself for the annual traffic jam frenzy!
The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) has predicted a whopping 2.6 million vehicles will hit the roads during the festive rush, spanning 24–28 January and 1–2 February. If you’re travelling out of Klang Valley, prepare for heavy traffic and packed highways.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Here’s how the highways are shaping up: the PLUS North-South Highway alone is expecting 2.2 million vehicles, while the KL-Karak Highway will see around 198,000. Over on the East Coast Expressway (LPT), Phase 1 will handle 82,000 vehicles, and Phase 2 is expected to manage 48,000.
Meanwhile, the West Coast Expressway (WCE) will handle an impressive 120,000 vehicles. It’s safe to say the highways will be buzzing!
Keeping Traffic in Check
To help ease the gridlock, PLUS will activate 25 SmartLane stretches on its North-South Highway.
These extra lanes are designed to keep traffic flowing. Plus, starting tomorrow until 3 February, all roadworks and lane closures by highway concessionaires are banned unless absolutely necessary.
Another big move? Goods vehicles are being restricted from using the highways on key travel dates—27–28 January and 1–2 February. This should help free up some space for everyone else.
On top of that, PLUS is adding 50 portable toilets at popular rest areas during peak travel times to make sure everyone’s journey is a bit more comfortable.
And speaking of rest areas, LLM has been working hard to keep all 38 R&R spots and toll plazas in top condition since 2024—and they’re carrying that momentum into 2025.
Plan Ahead with Travel Apps and Updates
If you’re planning your trip, be sure to use the MyPLUS-TTA app for guidance on the North-South Highway.
For those taking the KL-Karak Highway or East Coast Expressway Phase 1, the Travel Time Advisory (TTA) provided by AFA Prime is your go-to.
And for real-time traffic updates, you can reach LLM’s Traffic Management Centre (TMC) at 1-800-88-7752 or visit their website at www.llm.gov.my. LLM also has a dedicated WhatsApp channel for traffic info—handy when you’re on the move.
AFA PRIME’s Traffic Tips
AFA PRIME Berhad (formerly ANIH Berhad) has rolled out its own TTA to help manage traffic on the KL-Karak Expressway (KLK) and East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT1).
Traffic is expected to spike eastbound from 24–28 January and westbound between 30 January and 3 February.
Here’s what they’re forecasting: KLK traffic will surge by 63%, jumping from 110,000 to 179,100 vehicles daily. LPT1 isn’t far behind, with a 57% increase, going from 41,000 to 64,500 vehicles daily.
To avoid getting stuck in a sea of cars, AFA PRIME recommends specific travel times:
- Heading East (25–28 Jan)
- To Pahang: 10 AM–2 PM or 4 PM–6 PM
- To Terengganu: 8 AM–10 AM or 6 PM–8 PM
- To Kelantan: 6 AM–8 AM or 8 PM–10 PM
- Heading West (1–2 Feb)
- From Pahang: 6 AM–10 AM or 7 PM–11 PM
- From Terengganu: 11 AM–2 PM or 8 PM–10 PM
- From Kelantan: 7 PM–9 PM or 11 PM–12 AM
For express buses leaving the Gombak Toll Plaza, the suggested times are between 9:30 AM–12 PM or 9:30 PM–12 AM. And if you’re a night owl, free-flow traffic times are usually between 12 AM–6 AM daily.
Beefed-Up Operations for the Festive Rush
AFA PRIME isn’t taking any chances with the traffic chaos. They’re boosting their workforce by 20% and opening extra toll lanes to keep things moving.
From 23 January to 3 February, no expressway lanes will be closed unless there’s an emergency or critical maintenance.
Their Traffic Division will also increase its operations by 20.5%, with 24-hour monitoring through the Traffic Control Centre, LPT-RONDA units, and tow truck services.
Traffic supervisors and RELA personnel will be on hand at toll plazas, R&Rs, and lay-bys to help manage the crowds.
For live traffic updates, follow their Twitter handle @LPTTrafik or call their hotline at 1-700-818-700.
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