Malaysia Highways Face Major Delays Due to Hari Raya Travel and Accidents

Traffic jams on Malaysia's highways are much worse than usual. For example, the East Coast Expressway has a 25km slowdown.
By Newsroom | Traffic, Travel |

Congestion, punctuated by accidents, has gripped Malaysia's main highways, particularly the North-South Expressway (NSE), East Coast Expressway (ECE), and West Coast Expressway (WCE), as travelers navigate pre- and post-Hari Raya Aidilfitri movements. Reports from the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) highlight significant slowdowns on various stretches, impacting both northbound and southbound journeys.

The LLM has logged multiple instances of gridlock on key arteries. The NSE, a primary conduit, has seen southbound traffic snared between Ainsdale and Senawang, and Simpang Renggam to Sedenak. Northbound, the Slim River to Sungkai, Tapah to Gopeng up to Simpang Pulai, and Ipoh Utara to Kuala Kangsar, along with Bertam to Sungai Petani, experienced heavy flows.

East Coast routes are equally affected. Congestion was noted between Bentong and Bukit Tinggi, and Genting Sempah to the Gombak Toll Plaza. The East Coast Expressway (LPT) itself suffered a severe 25-kilometer slowdown from the Karak Toll Plaza to Lintang as the holiday period concluded.

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Accidents have exacerbated the situation. Reports cite incidents including one near the Hutan Kampung Toll Plaza from Jitra and another from Tanjung Malim to Lembah Beringin, directly contributing to traffic jams. The LLM has advised patience and vigilance for motorists.

Post-Raya Return Journeys Compound Delays

The aftermath of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations has seen a renewed surge in traffic, particularly as individuals return to urban centers. On March 28th, 2026, traffic began building on routes like the North-South Expressway Central Link (Elite), with slow movement from Bandar Serenia to Nilai Utara.

Klang Valley expressways also reported delays. The Cheras-Kajang Expressway (GrandSaga) saw northbound traffic crawl between Taman Suntex and Taman Connaught. Similarly, the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP) experienced congestion between Puchong Utama and Puchong Intan. The Johor Causeway also faced slow-moving traffic in both directions.

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Pre-Holiday Exodus and Toll Discounts

Even before the main holiday period, traffic had begun to build. Reports from March 19th, 2026, indicated a surge in vehicles heading out of the Klang Valley. The LLM anticipated increased volumes, partly due to a announced 50% toll discount, with an expectation of 1.5 million vehicles entering Penang during the festive period. Congestion was already noted between Gombak and Genting Sempah, and Bukit Tinggi to Lentang. Minor slowdowns were also observed on the NSE between Bandar Baru and Jawi due to a broken-down lorry.

Extended Congestion and Fatalities

The LLM also reported significant traffic issues on March 19th, 2026, with northbound routes out of the Klang Valley experiencing congestion. Southbound traffic slowed from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to Kajang, and Bandar Sri Putra to the Seremban Rest and Service Area (R&R).

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A fatal accident in Tapah was noted as a factor that worsened an already heavy northbound situation. On the East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2), traffic was slow between Cheneh and Chukai, and around the Kuala Terengganu Toll Plaza.

The Nature of Travel Reporting

The information regarding these traffic conditions primarily originates from statements attributed to spokespersons of the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and is often disseminated through news wires like Bernama and publications such as The Star. Reports from March 29th, 2025, also indicate congestion patterns related to the Hari Raya exodus, with slow movement on the NSE (E1 and E2) and the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway (KLK). An accident on the E2 northbound near Bandar Ainsdale also contributed to delays. The reports suggest a recurring pattern of heavy traffic during holiday periods, amplified by incidents and the sheer volume of vehicles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Malaysia's highways so busy during Hari Raya?
Many people are traveling for Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays. This causes very heavy traffic on main roads like the North-South Expressway (NSE) and East Coast Expressway (ECE) before and after the holiday.
Q: Which specific highways in Malaysia have the worst traffic jams?
The North-South Expressway (NSE) has bad traffic between Ainsdale and Senawang, and Simpang Renggam to Sedenak. The East Coast Expressway (ECE) has a 25km slowdown from Karak Toll Plaza to Lintang.
Q: Are there accidents causing traffic jams on Malaysian highways?
Yes, accidents are making traffic jams worse. There have been crashes near the Hutan Kampung Toll Plaza and from Tanjung Malim to Lembah Beringin, adding to the delays.
Q: What are the traffic conditions like returning to the Klang Valley after Hari Raya?
On March 28th, 2026, roads like the North-South Expressway Central Link (Elite) had slow traffic. Expressways in the Klang Valley, like GrandSaga and LDP, also saw traffic crawl.
Q: Was there a toll discount that increased traffic before Hari Raya?
Yes, a 50% toll discount was offered before the holiday. This was expected to bring 1.5 million vehicles to Penang and caused traffic to build up on routes out of the Klang Valley starting March 19th, 2026.
Q: Did any fatal accidents happen that affected traffic?
Yes, a fatal accident in Tapah worsened heavy northbound traffic on March 19th, 2026. This added to the already long delays on the highways.