Kuala terengganu: A total of 503 police personnel and officers from the Terengganu contingent have been deployed to work for the duration of Op Selamat 24/2026, from Feb 15 to 20, in conjunction with Chinese New Year tomorrow (Feb 17). Terengganu police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin said his team also expects about 350,000 vehicles to enter the state due to the Chinese New Year celebrations and start of Ramadan, expected to fall two days apart.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Khairi stated that his department would intensify law enforcement activities, especially in the locations identified as frequently experiencing congestion and fatal accidents. "According to records from previous years, the entry (into the state) during the Chinese New Year period is around 300,000 vehicles. But this time we expect to reach 350,000 vehicles because it coincides with the start of the fasting month," he explained during the launching ceremony of Op Selamat 25/2026 at Gemuruh Toll Plaza.
Mohd Khairi highlighted that 23 'hotspots' where traffic congestion frequently occurs and 22 'blackspots' where fatal accidents often happen have been identified across the state. To manage the congestion, the 'Jammed Squad' from the Motorcycle Patrol Unit (URB) in the districts will be swiftly deployed to locations experiencing unexpected congestion.
In addition to addressing traffic issues, the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK) will conduct daily patrols at empty houses and premises. The police have received 27 registrations through the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) application for monitoring.
Furthermore, nine locations in three districts have been identified as areas prone to property crimes, which include Chukai, Ayer Jernih, Kijal, Gong Badak, Manir, Cabang Tiga, Jertih, and Kampung Raja.
Meanwhile, East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2) regional manager Mohamad Pazli Kasim announced the opening of two additional lanes at the Gemuruh Toll Plaza to facilitate traffic flow due to the increased vehicle entries. Additionally, the services of 200 People's Volunteer Department (RELA) members have been deployed to strategic locations to assist the public and prevent congestion.
Patrol units and five tow trucks have also been added to manage any accidents on LPT2, he noted.