KUALA LUMPUR: On the eve of the Deepavali weekend, traffic has started building up at the Gombak Toll plaza as many look to travel home to be with loved ones.
In conjunction with Deepavali, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced toll-free highways from Nov 11 till Nov 12 on Sunday, on which Deepavali falls.
Around 11.8 million cars are expected to travel through toll booths nationwide this weekend. While congestion is likely to be an issue, it hasn't deterred Malaysians from making full use of toll-free travel for the next two days.
Ariff Aziz, 28, said he's taking this opportunity to take his family back to his hometown in Tanah Merah, Kelantan.
Ariff, a civil servant, started his journey from Shah Alam at 9.30pm and is optimistic to brace through the building traffic.
"I'm taking this (public holiday) opportunity to go back to my hometown as my children are also on their school holiday.
"To brace through the traffic, I have prepared snacks, coffee and will just be chatting with my wife and children while also focusing on the road," he said.
Junaidi Jamain, 39, said he would be travelling to Johor first thing tomorrow morning with his family to benefit from the toll-free roads.
As of last night, the building manager said he is making the necessary preparations including checking his car tyres to ensure that his family of five would have a smooth journey.
"I'm taking this long-weekend opportunity to go back to my hometown to visit my family members... I will travel back to Kuala Lumpur on Monday.
"I haven't gone back to my hometown since about two months ago," he said
However, for Kumuthemalar, 44, who started her journey from Rawang en route to Mentakab, the toll-free travel doesn't make any difference as she has always made the trip home to be with her mother for Deepavali.
"I am excited because my mum is waiting for me... we would be celebrating with all of my five siblings who are already there.
"I'm the only one who's late because I had to wait for my children to come back from school," she said, adding that she had started her journey at 9.00pm.
For Kumuthemalar, the traffic congestion is to be expected as per all celebrations and she is optimistic to brace through the traffic tonight.
With the toll-free highways, travellers are advised to plan journeys ahead of time, following the recommended time schedule or travel time advisory.
The ministry has reminded the public to observe safety aspects and drive safely so that all highway users can arrive at their destinations safely.
Users can check traffic status or any incident on the highway through official social media pages of the Malaysian Highway Authority.