Over two million vehicles expected on roads during Deepavali holiday

BENTONG: Some 2.1 million vehicles are expected to be on the road during the Deepavali holiday period.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said given the high traffic volume, Ops Lancar will be conducted from Oct 17 until 21, in conjunction with the holiday period.

“We expect about 2.1 million vehicles will be on the road during this period. Some 500 personnel will be deployed for Ops Lancar.

“We will focus on major highways, city raids as well as tourist destinations,” he told reporters after attending the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department shooting event with the media on Thursday (Oct 9).

Comm Yusri said Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department officers and personnel will be posted at hotspots and black spots nationwide.

“We are also waiting on further instructions whether there will be a specific period for the commercial vehicles to be on the road.

“We are still waiting for announcements from the Transport Ministry on that matter,” he added.

He said Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department personnel will focus on ensuring smooth traffic flow for the duration of Ops Lancar.

“Our priority is to ensure all road users get to their destinations safely,” he said.

Besides road safety duties such as controlling traffic, Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department personnel will also conduct joint operations with different departments.

“The Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department has successfully seized various drugs during operations on major highways and expressways.

“We conduct spot checks on suspected vehicles and we have found success in seizable amounts of drugs.

“Recently we stopped a car and seized drugs worth over RM12mil,” he said.

On the event, Comm Mohd Yusri said it is designed to foster better relations between Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department and media practitioners.

“Our goals are aligned as we want to preserve safety and public security.

“The media has been essential in highlighting Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department operations and creating more awareness on the importance of road safety,” he said.

He said besides Deepavali, Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department personnel will be busy this month for various events including the Asean meeting and a MotoGP event.

“For the Asean meeting, we will inform the public on road closures and diversions during that period so that the public can plan their journeys,” he said.