In an effort to ensure smooth operations of toll plazas and to minimize congestion during this coming National Day and Hari Raya Haji holiday weekend, PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) will be closing all 134 Touch ‘n Go reload lanes nationwide from August 29 to September 4.

The decision was made based on the success of the temporary closure of reload lanes during the previous Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New year celebrations. The Star reported that according to a statement by PLUS managing director Datuk Azman Ismail, this closure is necessary to prevent traffic congestion that is caused by the hold up during cash reload transactions.

Traffic congestion during the festive seasons has long been the bane of Malaysian existence. Astro Awani reported that an increase of 1.6 million vehicles is anticipated along the PLUS expressway this year. Areas that usually experience the worst traffic snarl are the stretch between Slim River and Kuala Kangsar in the north and Pedas Linggi and Melaka in the south.

Road users are advised to carry out reload transactions at automated teller machines, convenience stores and petrol stations, among others. Alternatively, motorists can reload their cards at the customer service centres at several toll plazas from 7 am to 10 pm daily.

We take this opportunity to remind our readers not to abuse the emergency lane as the repercussion will be heavy. Traffic information can be obtained by contacting PLUSline at 1-800-88-0000.