Sazali Harun, director-general of the Malaysian highway authority (LLM) said an increase in traffic volume on toll highways was expected during commuting hours throughout the fasting month, which is expected to begin on Tuesday.

“Among the initiatives that must be implemented are rescheduling the activation time of tidal lanes or smart lanes in line with the changes in working hours and ensuring that all facilities provided at rest and service areas, lay-bys and toll plazas are in good condition, including water supply and cleanliness,” he said.

He urged highway concessionaires to consider changes in the commuting hours of users throughout the month of Ramadan when implementing lane closures for maintenance works; they must identify hotspots and provide temporary additional facilities to manage the increase in traffic volume.

“They should enhance cooperation with the police to facilitate traffic movement, especially at critical locations such as traffic lights after highway exits, to prevent traffic overflow,” read the statement.

Sazali made these remarks after a site visit to observe the planning and actions taken by highway operator Anih Berhad to reduce congestion on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway, particularly at the Gombak toll plaza.