Many Malaysians have likely noticed that traffic congestion tends to become significantly worse during the Ramadan and Raya season.
From packed highways during balik kampung to busy roads near shopping malls, bazaars, and residential areas, the festive period often means spending much more time behind the wheel.
While traffic congestion is nothing new in major cities, several factors are contributing to why the situation appears to be becoming more noticeable each year.
The growing number of vehicles on Malaysian roads
One of the main reasons for the increase in traffic congestion is the continuous growth in the number of vehicles registered in Malaysia.
Over the years, car ownership has steadily increased as more Malaysians rely on private vehicles for commuting, travelling, and daily errands. However, the number of highways and available road capacity does not always expand at the same pace.
As a result, more vehicles are sharing the same road infrastructure, which naturally leads to heavier congestion during peak hours and especially during festive seasons when travel activity increases.
Raya Balik Kampung & Open House create peak hour congestion
Traffic patterns also tend to shift during Raya due to balik kampung or relative visits.
Many Malaysians will be on the way back to their hometown, and those who stay in the city will head out to visit their friends and family during Hari Raya.
These overlapping activities often create a surge of vehicles on the road, resulting in the familiar Raya traffic jams experienced in both kampung and urban areas.
Traffic jams can increase fuel consumption
Another impact that drivers may not immediately realise is the effect that heavy traffic can have on fuel usage.
Driving in congested traffic often involves frequent braking and acceleration instead of maintaining a steady speed. This stop-and-go movement can cause vehicles to consume more fuel compared to smoother highway driving.
During periods like Ramadan and Raya when people may travel more frequently for shopping, visiting family members, or preparing for the festive celebrations, the increase in fuel consumption can become more noticeable.
A reward to offset fuel costs during heavy traffic periods
While traffic congestion during the festive season is something that many drivers simply have to navigate, there are ways to make daily driving slightly more manageable.
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For drivers who are commuting frequently or travelling more often during Hari Raya, this can help offset a small portion of their fuel expenses.
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