A journey through a tangled web of highways and byways

I recently drove from my home to Seremban, a distance of around 106km according to an unremarkable GPS app. My journey began on the northern route of the North-South Expressway, known as E1 and AH2 (Asian Highway 2). At Sungai Buloh, the E1 transitioned into the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and AH141. Subsequently, I traveled on federal and city roads before rejoining the NSE at Sungai Besi on its southern route, E2.

At Bangi, E2 reverted to AH2. On my return, the GPS app led me through local roads in Seremban, reminiscent of Penang's past. I then navigated onto the Lekas Expressway (E21), which swiftly took me away from Seremban and onto the Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK). SILK led me onto the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE), presumably a term of endearment in some language.

The E27 then took me to the Sungai Besi Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE), which led me to the Duta Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE), part of AH141. After traversing SUKE to DUKE, I returned to E1, incorporating NKVE, and made my way home. Reflecting on my journey, I've driven on most major roads and highways in Malaysia, particularly on the peninsular side.

However, it seems the country's appetite for toll expressways far exceeds my ability to navigate each and every one. While driving, I noticed malcontent from those objecting to new highways due to property devaluation or environmental concerns. Had my journey followed a different path, I could have included even more toll expressways like E6 Elite, E20 Maju, and E38 SMART Tunnel. It's clear that our toll highway network is vast and intricate, with many more routes available.