PLUS is expecting a surge in traffic along its highways during the upcoming Hari Raya season.  

It says 2.3 million vehicles will be on the road, a figure that represents a 21% increase compared to the daily average.  

The operator adds that peak travel days fall from March 18th to 20th as well as between March 27th and 29th.  

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As such, PLUS is stepping up preparations for the influx in traffic.  

This includes capping the speed limit on smart lanes at 60 kilometers per hour.  

Meanwhile, 34 hotspots along PLUS highways have also been identified ahead of the season.  

PLUS adds that there will also be no lane closures during this period.  

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And the National Kidney Foundation is calling for stronger public‑private partnerships to help reduce Malaysia’s growing dialysis backlog.    

Currently, 55,000 people are now living with kidney failure, and many are on a 2-year waiting list to get treatment.    

And the situation is not improving anytime soon, as the Health Ministry says five million Malaysians have chronic kidney disease.    

Meanwhile, consultant nephrologist, Dr Albert Hing Wong stressed the need for high risk people to get regular screenings, especially among those aged 40 and above, as well as those with diabetes and hypertension.    

It's because regular screenings can delay the need for dialysis and improve health.    

It's also important because kidney patients rarely show any early symptoms, and is only diagnosed at an advanced stage.    

This, in conjunction with World Kidney Day today. 

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