Get used to longer waiting time at PLUS highway rest areas

PETALING JAYA: Travellers will have to put up with a longer waiting time at rest and service areas (RSAs) along the highways, as PLUS Malaysia Bhd has imposed stringent measures to reduce risk of Covid-19 transmission.

PLUS managing director Datuk Azman Ismail said taking temperatures, imposing social distancing measures, including in suraus, and ensuring cleanliness of the entire area including car parks, were part of the new normal protocols.

“We would like to stress that highway travel in this new normal era will consume more time, as safety SOPs will be fully implemented, ” he said.

PLUS food courts are now once again operational after a shutdown of nearly three months when the movement control order (MCO) was imposed on March 18.

Inter-state travel resumed on June 10, when Malaysia went into the recovery MCO phase.

"We urge everyone to take their own precaution, as we take care of each other’s safety in keeping with the government's advice, ” added Datuk Azman in a statement.

Travellers are now allowed to pray at all surau located in the 24 RSAs. However, surau at toll plazas will remain closed to the public until further notice.

Those praying must bring their own prayer mats and telekong (prayer attire for women).

Among the surau now opened at RSAs are Gurun, Gunung Semanggol, Sungai Perak, Tapah, Rawang, Dengkil, Seremban, Ayer Keroh, Pagoh, Machap, Gelang Patah, Sungai Buloh and Ayer Keroh.

And along the East Coast, LPT2 surau in Perasing, Paka and Ajil are opened.

Social distancing must be observed at all times. Notifications have also been placed on the maximum number of people allowed.

Registration of names, , along with contact details to facilitate contct tracing, would be required.

PLUS also assured travellers that its facilities would be thoroughly cleansed and sanitised.