An imposing presenceThis majestic peacock is part of Suria KLCC’s Deepavali decorations based on the theme ‘Enchanted Garden of Lights’. The vibrant masterpiece which also boasts a 20-foot-kolam will be on display until Nov 15 as Malaysia observes Deepavali this Sunday. Shoppers will also enjoy immersive lighting and sound effects along with traditional Indian dance performances this weekend. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
PETALING JAYA: From enjoying traditional Indian snacks like muruku to meeting up with beloved relatives and old friends or just taking a much-needed vacation, Malaysians are prepped and ready to have some fun this Deepavali.
Copywriter Maryam Khan, 30, said she was looking forward to turning her three-year-old daughter’s first proper Deepavali experience into a lifelong happy memory.
“My daughter’s school is also having a small Deepavali celebration on Friday, so I’m looking forward to baking some traditional treats to have my daughter experience Deepavali with her friends.
“I myself am looking forward to spending time with my family and friends, and of course, enjoying the Deepavali snacks,” she said.
Maryam added that her family would begin their journey back to their hometown in George Town early on Nov 11 to avoid the jam since they are taking a bus.
Corporate trainer Mandeep Singh, 27, is also looking forward to spending some quality time with his family over the festive weekend.
“It’s been a while since we had our last family trip, and as it’s a long weekend, we decided to go to Port Dickson.
“But considering how traffic will be congested, we will be planning our journey first,” he said.
Thamil Chelvi Vartharaju, 35, said she was eager to once again make beautiful memories with her family and relatives.
“I am really excited to meet with my relatives, especially my nine-year old nephew, Jeevan, whom I missed meeting last year,” she said, noting that she had promised to spend more time with Jeevan this Deepavali.
Thamil, who works in financial services support, said she and her husband had planned their leave and trip to her hometown of Bentong, Pahang, months in advance.
Freelance journalist RJ Devan said this year’s Deepavali would be a special event for his family as it coincided with his father’s 90th birthday celebration.
“I can’t wait to meet my parents and siblings after so long – we have all agreed it is a must-attend reunion this year since it’s my father’s birthday.
“I’m really looking forward to sampling the unique home-cooked dishes that each one of us siblings will be making for our father’s special birthday meal,” the 66-year-old said.
However, Devan rued that he would only be able to return to his home town in Alor Setar, Kedah, for a day as he has a tight work deadline.
With over two million vehicles a day expected to travel on Plus Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) highways during Deepavali, the largest highway toll operator has advised travellers to plan their trips.
It recommended travellers to make use of its newly-released Travel Time Advisory (TTA) Deepavali schedule for its North-South Expressway (NSE) from Nov 10 to 14.
From Nov 10 to 11, PLUS recommended those travelling from Klang Valley to the northern states – Perlis, Kedah, Penang and north Perak – to begin their journey from 8am to 11am while those travelling to central Perak are advised to start their journey between 4pm and 7pm.
Those heading south to Johor and south Melaka are advised to travel between 10am and 1pm while anyone heading for Negri Sembilan and Melaka are advised to travel between 1pm and 4pm.
Those heading to other parts of the country through PLUS-owned highways are advised to only begin their journeys after 10pm.
It also recommended highway users to constantly keep up-to-date with real-time traffic information through X @PLUSTrafik, PLUS App, PUTRI Chatbot, electronic sign boards at selected locations, and through traffic reports from radio broadcasts.
The highway toll operator also advised the public to make use of its newly-launched My-TTA Public Pilot via the PLUS App to help plan their journeys during this festive season.
“We also advise highway users to plan their inbound journey ahead based on the TTA when returning to the Klang Valley after the holiday period,” it added.
Other than NSE, PLUS also operates the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, New Klang Valley Expressway, Seremban-Port Dickson Highway, Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Expressway, and the Penang Bridge.
