While Malaysians prepare for the Deepavali celebration that is just around the corner, here’s something else for you to keep in mind:
The traffic!
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Over 2.6 million vehicles are expected on major highways during the Deepavali holiday
The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) expected a surge in traffic as early as 16 October (Thursday), in conjunction with the Festival of Light that falls on 20 October (Monday).
LLM also expected a total of 2.67 million vehicles to be on the major highways during the peak days, with 2.2 million vehicles expected to use the highways under PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS). In its official statement today (11 October), LLM said the KL-Karak Highway is expected to record 170,000 vehicles, and here’s the breakdown for other major highways.
- East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (90,000)
- East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (40,000)
- West Coast Expressway (170,000)
To cope with the increase in traffic, LLM has instructed all highway concession companies to make thorough preparations so that highway users’ journeys are safe and smooth, including by making sure the toll collection system functions properly to avoid congestion at toll plazas.
“There will be no lane closures from 17 to 23 October except for emergency work, and smart lanes at 29 identified locations on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) will also be activated.”
On Friday (10 October), Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the tabling of Budget 2026, also announced a 50% discount on Malaysian tolls for two days in conjunction with the celebration.
The cheaper toll fares will commence on 18 October (Saturday), at 12:01 AM, and end on 19 October (Sunday) at 11:59 PM.
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The Phase 4 STR 2025 payment, initially scheduled for November and valued at RM2 billion, will be brought forward and distributed starting 18 October.
To those who will be travelling during the season, do plan your journey, and stay safe.
