{
  "id": 18617521,
  "title": "PLUS highway congested since midnight ahead of Deepavali",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/plus-highway-congested-since-midnight-ahead-of-deepavali",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T02:11:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/129287/plus-highway-congested-since-midnight-ahead-of-deepavali"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The North-South Expressway experienced heavy congestion in both directions ahead of Deepavali celebrations, according to updates from PLUS on November 7, 2026. The northbound stretch from Permatang Pauh to Sungai Dua saw traffic build up as early as 12:04 am. This congestion extended to Slim River to Sungkai, Sungai Buloh Hospital to the Rawang Rest and Service Area, Jasin to Ayer Keroh, Kulai to Sedenak, and Skudai to Senai. For southbound traffic, the North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE) from Bandar Serenia to Bandar Baru Nilai was also reported as congested.\n\nSeveral accidents contributed to the traffic jams. At 7:31 am, an accident between Bukit Beruntung and Bukit Tagar blocked the emergency lane, causing a significant disruption that expanded to nine kilometers by 3:06 am. Another accident at KM 81 blocked a seven-kilometer stretch on the northbound direction from Ayer Hitam to Yong Peng South. At 3:27 am, an accident at KM 354 between Slim River and Sungkai blocked the right lane, leading to further congestion. An accident at KM 409.6 between Lembah Beringin and Tanjong Malim, as well as at KM 315 between Tapah and Gopeng, also caused traffic disruptions.\n\nOn the southbound carriageway, accidents at KM 227.3 between Pedas Linggi and Simpang Ampat, KM 277.6 between Bandar Baru Nilai and Bandar Ainsdale, and KM 267.2 between Bandar Ainsdale and Seremban led to additional congestion. A trailer breakdown at KM 320.3 between Tapah and Gopeng obstructed the left lane on the northbound direction, causing traffic issues. Southbound, accidents at KM 227.3, KM 277.6, and KM 267.2 also affected traffic flow.\n\nDespite an accident at KM 160 between Tangkak and Bukit Gambir blocking the emergency lane on the southbound direction, traffic congestion on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway and East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT1) remained smooth in both directions by 7 am today. Earlier congestion on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway at 2:25 am and on the LPT1 from Genting Sempah to Bukit Tinggi and from Bukit Tinggi to Lentang had been cleared by the morning of November 7.",
  "summary": "THE North-South Expressway is reportedly congested in both directions, particularly for northbound traffic since midnight, ahead of the Deepavali celebrations tomorrow. Congestion in several areas has also been made worse by accidents and broken-down...",
  "key_points": [
    "North-South Expressway congested northbound from 12:04 am on Deepavali eve.",
    "Accidents at multiple KM points caused traffic jams on both directions.",
    "Southbound ELITE lane blocked at Bandar Serenia to Bandar Baru Nilai."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Frequent accidents and vehicle breakdowns on the North-South Expressway turn festive holiday travel into a logistical struggle for commuters navigating multiple blocked lanes and significant stretches of heavy congestion.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Traffic congestion, several accidents reported on NSE ahead of Deepavali",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/traffic-congestion-several-accidents-reported-on-nse-ahead-of",
        "published": "2026-11-07T00:33:21.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Deepavali holiday rush sees heavy traffic on KL-Karak, PLUS highways",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/deepavali-holiday-rush-sees-heavy-traffic-on-kl-karak-plus-highways",
        "published": "2026-11-07T03:24:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}