KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 — The police expect the number of vehicles entering the capital to almost double ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration on Tuesday (February 17), driven by increased travel as people head back to their hometowns and to go shopping.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said daily data show more than three million vehicles enter the city each day, with the figure expected to rise sharply during the festive period, especially in the city centre.
“This is a challenge for the police. We have identified several hotspot areas and will step up security and traffic control, particularly at locations frequented by the public,” he said during a media conference after launching ‘Op Selamat 25’ in conjunction with the Chinese New Year at a shopping mall today.
To ensure smoother traffic flow, Op Lancar will be implemented from Wednesday (February 11) to February 22, with officers deployed at strategic locations and continuous monitoring conducted at 15 ‘black spots’ and 30 ‘hotspots’.
Among the ‘black spots’ identified are Jalan Kuching, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Sungai Besi, Jalan Damansara, Jalan Kepong, and Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar.
Hotspot areas include the Segambut roundabout, Kepong roundabout, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, the Kampung Pandan roundabout, and Jalan Istana.
Black spots refer to areas with frequent accidents or high road safety risks, while hotspots are locations with heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic that are prone to congestion.
Fadil advised road users to comply with traffic regulations and follow instructions from enforcement officers to help ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the festive period.
