WCE Expects 150K Vehicles Daily for Merdeka

West Coast Expressway (WCE) Merdeka Holiday Traffic: 150,000 Vehicles Daily Expected

The West Coast Expressway (WCE) is a 316-kilometre toll expressway in Malaysia connecting Banting, Selangor to Changkat Jering, Perak, operated by West Coast Expressway Sdn Bhd, and it is expected to handle more than 150,000 vehicles daily during the 2026 Merdeka holiday period. This high-volume traffic period coincides with the 69th National Day and school holidays, primarily affecting journeys between the Klang Valley, Selangor, and Perak. For Malaysian motorists, this means planning for significant delays, particularly on routes connecting major urban centres to northern states.

Key Facts

How Many Vehicles Are Expected on WCE During Merdeka?

WCE expects more than 150,000 vehicles daily to use the expressway throughout the Merdeka and school holiday period, according to Syed Muhd Naguib, head of highway operations. This increase is consistent with travel patterns typically experienced during extended weekends and school holidays in Malaysia. The peak period is expected to be particularly heavy from late afternoon into the evening, and highway users are advised to avoid travelling during these times where possible.

"We expect more than 150,000 vehicles daily to use WCE throughout the Merdeka and school holiday period. This increase is consistent with travel patterns typically experienced during extended weekends and school holidays, particularly for journeys between the Klang Valley, Selangor and Perak."

— Syed Muhd Naguib, Head of Highway Operations, WCE

Highway users should plan journeys in advance and avoid peak periods from late afternoon into the evening to reduce congestion risk.

What Safety Measures Are in Place on WCE for the Holiday Period?

WCE will step up operational readiness across its open sections, including 24-hour highway patrol and Emergency Response Team (ERT) coverage, complemented by continuous traffic monitoring throughout the holiday period. These measures are designed to ensure the safety of every highway user and maintain the smooth flow of traffic during the expected surge in vehicle numbers. The WCE App provides journey planning, route navigation, and real-time traffic information, including access to live CCTV views along the expressway.

Highway users are advised to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on long-distance journeys and to ensure sufficient Touch 'n Go card or eWallet balance before entering the expressway. Motorcyclists are encouraged to use the designated motorcycle shelters provided along the expressway to rest when tired or seek shelter during rain.

WCE Infoline at 1700-81-6600 operates 24 hours a day for emergency assistance along the expressway.

What Are the Official Travel Advisories for WCE Users?

WCE has issued specific travel advisories for the Merdeka holiday period, including observing speed limits, wearing seat belts at all times, and never using the emergency lane except in an emergency. The expressway operator emphasises that the emergency lane is not an exclusive lane for motorcyclists; it is reserved for emergencies, rescue operations, incident management, and unforeseen situations requiring immediate access. Motorcyclists are reminded to remain cautious and vigilant, particularly when traffic volumes increase.

• Ensure vehicles are in good condition before long-distance journeys
• Ensure sufficient Touch 'n Go card or eWallet balance before entering the expressway
• Observe speed limits and wear seat belts at all times
• Get sufficient rest and stop at lay-bys near toll plazas or Rest and Service Areas (R&Rs) if experiencing fatigue or signs of microsleep
• Never use the emergency lane except in an emergency
• Motorcyclists should use designated motorcycle shelters to rest or seek shelter during rain
• Exercise patience, consideration, and responsible driving during heavier traffic

"In the spirit of Merdeka, the highway is shared by all of us. Safety is a shared responsibility, every safe journey begins with the decisions we make on the road."

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This travel advisory is for Malaysian motorists planning road trips during the Merdeka holiday period, particularly those travelling between the Klang Valley, Selangor, and Perak using the West Coast Expressway. The information is critical for families heading north for the extended weekend, motorcyclists using the expressway for balik kampung journeys, and commercial drivers who need to plan around peak traffic periods. The advisory is also relevant for users of the WCE App who seek real-time traffic information and live CCTV views for journey planning.

For Malaysian users, the key pain point addressed is the significant traffic congestion expected during the extended holiday weekend. The WCE's operational measures, including 24-hour patrols and ERT coverage, are designed to mitigate risks associated with high-volume travel. The emphasis on rest stops and motorcycle shelters addresses local concerns about fatigue and tropical weather conditions, particularly for motorcyclists who may need shelter during rain.

Common Questions

What is the WCE Infoline number for emergency assistance?

The WCE Infoline is 1700-81-6600, operating 24 hours a day for emergency assistance along the expressway. This number connects highway users to the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and other support services during incidents or unforeseen situations.

How can I check real-time traffic conditions on WCE?

Highway users can use the 'WCE App' for journey planning, route navigation, and real-time traffic information, including access to live CCTV views along the expressway. The app provides continuous traffic monitoring updates throughout the holiday period.

What should I do if I feel tired while driving on WCE?

WCE advises drivers to get sufficient rest and stop at lay-bys near toll plazas or Rest and Service Areas (R&Rs) available along the expressway if experiencing fatigue or signs of microsleep. Motorcyclists are encouraged to use designated motorcycle shelters to rest when tired.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the official news release from CarSifu, published on 28 August 2026, titled "More than 150K vehicles daily expected on WCE during Merdeka holidays." The source URL is https://www.carsifu.my/news/more-than-150k-vehicles-daily-expected-on-wce-during-merdeka-holidays/. All statistics, quotes, and operational details are drawn directly from this source. No currency conversions were required as the source contains no pricing information. This article was last updated on 28 August 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the CarSifu publication, a property of Star Media Group Berhad.