GEORGE TOWN: An additional 50,000 vehicles daily are expected in Penang in conjunction with the forthcoming Chinese New Year celebrations and the long break.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said many Penangites, currently working outstation and abroad, are expected to return home.
"So, we expect an additional 50,000 vehicles daily on our roads.
"The number may even be higher due to the long break, where many will take the opportunity to come for holidays in the state or for other reasons," he told newsmen when met after a walkabout at the Jalan Perak market here this morning.
After the walkabout, Mohd Shuhaily also flagged off a convoy of motorcycle patrol unit (URB) and police mobile patrol vehicles (MPV) in conjunction with the launch of the state-level 17th edition of Ops Selamat.
Present were the respective heads of departments within the force and the district police chiefs.
The Ops Selamat begins today until Feb 6.
Mohd Shuhaily urged all motorists to respect others and be careful at all times.
Mohd Shuhaily also said police have identified several accident-prone hotspots in the state and would increase patrols in these areas.
Meanwhile Mohd Shuhaily also advised the people to adhere to the ban on playing firecrackers during the festive season.
"I also want to thank the state government for not holding the Chinese New Year open house out of respect for the standard operating procedures (SOP) in place to stop the spread of Covid-19.
"While visiting is allowed, we want to remind the people to observe the SOPs at all times," he added.