Credit : Bernama Images
GEORGE TOWN: Over 2.4 million vehicles are expected to enter Penang during the Chinese New Year holidays, with traffic reaching its peak as the celebration nears on January 29, Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad revealed.
Daily traffic volumes are estimated at 200,000 vehicles, prompting authorities to identify eight accident-prone “blackspots.” These include Jalan Air Itam Paya Terubong, Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, and Jalan Tun Dr Awang, among others. Police officers will be stationed at these locations and high-traffic areas to manage the flow around the clock.
Meanwhile, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has launched “Ops Cuti Sekolah” to ensure smooth traffic at key tourist spots. Initiatives like “Ops Payung,” utilizing closed-circuit cameras, and deploying a 24-hour maintenance team are part of the traffic management strategy.
Ops Payung will operate at Penang Road, Bukit Bendera, and Ayer Itam during specific hours, while road closures from Lebuh Light to Jalan Padang Kota Lama are in effect from 6pm daily until February 16.
Authorities, including the police and the Road Transport Department, are also managing congestion at hotspots like Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus, Komtar, and Queensbay Mall.
