JOHOR BARU: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi wants the movement of heavy vehicles plying the North-South Expressway (NSE) to be regulated and monitored for the safety of motorists.
Onn Hafiz and Project Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (PLUS) managing director Datuk Nik Arina Nik Jaafar, discussed several issues during a meeting held at his official residence in Saujana, here, today.
He said the NSE two-phase expansion project from the state capital city to Simpang Renggam in Kluang, is expected to be completed by 2026, and proposed to be further expanded to Tangkak, in phases.
The menteri besar said to ensure the lanes were well maintained for the safety of motorists, heavy vehicle movements should be regulated with a schedule for their travel time implemented.
"These regulations and schedules are required to be adhered to stringently, to avoid untoward incidents and also to ensure the roads are not damaged due to weight of the vehicles and the possibility of spilled material ferried by the containers, trucks, trailers or lorries," he said.
He also said several important issues were discussed, including the highway's traffic flow, maintenance, and infrastructure development that required improvement.
These include the implementation of smart-lanes along the highway, which would include emergency lanes to be utilised during peak hours and weekends.
While, the Rest & Relax stops should see its facilities upgraded with frequent maintenance schedules.
He said the proposals were aligned with the Johor Maju and Johor Bersih agendas, and the state government's commitment to progress and enhance connectivity within the region.
Meanwhile, during the meeting Nik Ariana handed Plus's business zakat contribution amounting to RM650,000.