Christmas Traffic Advisory Issued for KL–Karak & LPT1 as Millions Take to the Highways
As Malaysians prepare for Christmas celebrations and year-end holidays, motorists travelling between the Klang Valley and the East Coast are urged to plan their journeys carefully. Highway operator AFA Prime (formerly ANIH) and the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) have released travel time advisories and special operational measures to help ease congestion during the festive period.
Traffic is expected to be significantly heavier on December 25 and December 28, particularly along key routes such as the KL–Karak Highway (KLK) and East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT1).
Recommended Travel Times to the East Coast
For motorists starting their journey from Kuala Lumpur or Selangor via the Gombak Toll Plaza, AFA Prime has outlined the following recommended travel windows to minimise delays:
Towards Pahang
• 12.00pm – 4.00pm
• 8.00pm – 11.00pm
Towards Terengganu
• 9.00am – 12.00pm
• 8.00pm – 11.00pm
Towards Kelantan
• 6.00am – 9.00am
• 5.00pm – 11.00pm
Motorists are also encouraged to consider travelling during off-peak hours between midnight and 6.00am on both advisory days.
Recommended Return Travel Times to Klang Valley
For those heading back to Kuala Lumpur or Selangor, the recommended return travel times are as follows:
From Pahang (all toll plazas)
• 7.00am – 10.00am
• 7.00pm – 11.00pm
From Terengganu (Jabor Toll Plaza)
• 10.00am – 1.00pm
• 8.00pm – 11.00pm
From Kelantan (Bentong Toll Plaza)
• 4.00pm – 8.00pm
• 9.00pm – 12.00am
Express Bus & Light Vehicle Advisory
Express buses travelling to East Coast destinations are advised to operate within the following windows:
• 9.30am – 12.00pm
• 9.30pm – 12.00am
Light vehicle users are advised to avoid entering the Gombak Toll Plaza during these periods to reduce congestion.
LLM Rolls Out Special Christmas Traffic Measures
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) has activated a series of measures to ensure safer and smoother travel throughout the festive season.
According to LLM Director-General Datuk Sazali Harun, lane closures will be restricted to emergencies only, while smart lane systems will be activated at 30 strategic locations nationwide. Toll plazas will also operate at full capacity, with layered toll collection systems deployed at busy locations to minimise delays.
All highway facilities, including rest and service areas (R&Rs) and lay-bys, will remain fully operational. Additional parking spaces, portable toilets, water supply, fuel availability and maintenance staff have been arranged to support the increase in traffic.
Toll Discounts & Traffic Forecast
LLM welcomed the MADANI Government’s announcement of a 50 percent toll discount for Class 1 vehicles nationwide, as well as Class 2 vehicles on the Penang Bridge, effective from:
🕛 12.01am on December 23
🕚 11.59pm on December 24
The discount applies to all toll plazas except Sultan Iskandar Building and Tanjung Kupang.
During peak travel days, LLM anticipates up to 2.6 million vehicles daily, with heavy congestion expected on PLUS highways, KL–Karak, East Coast Expressway Phases 1 and 2, and the West Coast Expressway (WCE).
Stay Updated & Travel Safely
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys using LLM’s TuJu Highway Navigation App and Travel Time Advisory. Road users should also ensure their vehicles are in good condition and that toll cards or e-wallets have sufficient balance.
For real-time traffic updates and incident alerts, the public can follow LLM Trafik on Facebook, X and TikTok, or contact the LLM Traffic Management Centre at 1-800-88-7752.
Motorcyclists are reminded to exercise caution and make use of the 571 designated motorcycle shelters, especially during rainy conditions.
