The north and south bound traffic along the North-South Expressway (NSE) builds up as city dwellers begin their journey home for Aidilfitri.

A Malaysian Highway Authority spokesperson said traffic was slow from Seberang Jaya to the Juru toll plaza and congested at the Rawang interchange on the north bound route, and from Machap to Ayer Hitam on the south bound route.

He said the traffic heading south and east coast was still under control despite heavy traffic volume.

Meanwhile, a PLUS Expressways Bhd spokesperson said traffic leaving the capital was expected to increase in volume tonight as more Muslims headed for their hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya.

Meanwhile, Works Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor took a helicopter ride to view traffic flow at several toll plazas, particularly at Jalan Duta, Sungai Besi and Gombak, and along federal roads.

Speaking to reporters, he said 1.7 million vehicles were expected to use NSE daily till Saturday compared to 1.2 million on a normal day.

Vehicles travelling along the East Coast Expressway are also expected to increase from 32,843 on weekdays to 130,000 before Aidilfitri, he said.

He called on highway concessionaires not to hold any Hari Raya promotion at the rest and service areas to smoothen traffic flow.

- Bernama