M'sia Sees 70% Drop In Traffic On First Day Of FMCO, Authorities Say Traffic Caused By Roadblocks

70% drop in traffic on first day of full MCO

Malaysians were back in full MCO mode on the first day of a full lockdown, also dubbed FMCO, which began yesterday, 1st June 2021. But with more businesses allowed to open this time around, compared to the first MCO in March 2020, it seemed like many Malaysians were going about their lives as usual, as heavy traffic jams were spotted on roads.

Nonetheless, movement of vehicles is said to have dropped by 70% in Malaysia yesterday, and by as low as 90% in some areas too, as reported by the Bukit Aman Traffic director. Heavy traffic jams that were see by the public were most likely due to roadblocks, as authorities are said to be doing stricter checks to curb travel at 800 roadblocks mounted nationwide.

Traffic likely due to stricter checks at roadblocks

On 2nd June, Bernama reported that vehicle movements dropped to a low of 70% yesterday.

Some areas also saw a 90% decrease in traffic, according to a statement by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, based on a report by the Bukit Aman Traffic director.

Image credit: @bernamadotcom

He also stated that crowded roads on the first day of the FMCO was caused by roadblocks, as authorities were doing strict inspections to ensure that relevant approved permits for travel were obtained by road users.

There is currently a 10KM travel limit radius for all Malaysians, with exceptions made for reasons such as work, emergency, vaccination appointments and medical treatment.

Traffic in KL on the 2nd day of FMCO around 11.40AM
Image credit: Jalanow

In a separate report by Bernama, Sentul district police chief ACP Beh Eng Lai said that roads were relatively crowded between 7AM to 10.30AM on the first day of the FMCO at 3 roadblocks there – Jalan Kepong, Jalan Sentul Pasar and Bandar Manjalara. But this was also likely due to workers who were travelling to work, with all of them said to have approved permits for travel from their employers.

Likewise, Shah Alam, Sarawak, and Kota Bharu, Kelantan, also reported less traffic from the closure of most businesses under the FMCO.

Mobile roadblocks to help monitor road users

800 roadblocks have been placed nationwide to monitor road users, which has led to inevitable congestions spotted on roads at this time, as reported by The Star on 31st May.

Of this total, more than half of it will be permanent while the rest are said to be mobile roadblocks.

Those in Dang Wangi district can expect to see mobile roadblocks, with 4 of them currently active and stationed accordingly at places that are seeing high traffic. They will also operate 24 hours a day, as reported by Berita Harian.

Heavy traffic jams reported by netizens around 7.30AM on the Federal Highway, on the left, and in front of Eko Cheras Mall, on the right, on 1st June. This is likely due to roadblocks, as stated by authorities.
Image credit: Info Roadblock JPJ/POLIS and We Are Malaysians

Over 3,300 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will be helping authorities monitor road users at roadblocks too. All in all, there are 70,000 personnel manning roadblocks at this time, as reported by Astro Awani. 55,000 of this total are police officers.

As such, the public is advised to prepare proof of their home address, as seen on personal items such as utility bills, to ensure that inspections at roadblocks go smoothly and help reduce traffic jams.

FMCO sees a 70% decrease in traffic

Malaysia has seen a slight drop in COVID-19 daily cases, with yesterday’s recorded 7,105 new cases comparatively lower from the recorded high of 9,020 cases on 29th May. As such, we are all reminded to only go out for essential errands, such as for work, and to get necessities and medical treatment.