KEMAMAN, Feb 8 — The East Coast Highway 2 (LPT2) road users are urging the government or the relevant authorities to expedite the construction of petrol stations along the highway for the convenience of motorists.

A motorist, Ahmad Naufal Amir, 32, from Kuala Lumpur who was going back to his hometown in Kota Baharu, Kelantan but ran out of fuel at the Paka intersection said he was using the highway for the first time and did not know there was no petrol station on the LPT2 since no signboards were installed.

"I thought maybe the rest and recreation (R&R) areas on LPT2 will have a petrol station but to my dismay there was none. Fortunately an LPT patrol spotted me and came to my aid," he told Bernama here today.

Amalina Zakaria, 27, from Tepoh, Kuala Nerus, said she used the LPT2 frequently to get to the capital and would always ensure her fuel tank was full before entering the 184 kilometre highway as the petrol station was located at the R&R Gambang on LPT1.

She said the state government and the Malaysian Highway Authority must figure out the best way for the convenience of motorists using the highway and also put up signs informing motorists of the absence of petrol stations on the highway.

Meanwhile, an observation by Bernama along LPT2 found the highway congested at several intersections, especially at the Gemuroh Intersection over the last two days as city dwellers return to their hometowns in conjunction with the Chinese New Year school holidays.

The old Jalan Jerangau-Jabor road was found to be the choice of most motorists to return as facilities on LPT2 are still not completed.

Mohd Fahmi Sideq, 50, said he decided to use the old road for a more comfortable ride back to his hometown in Tanah Merah, Kelantan.

"If I take the LPT2, near the rest stops there are still no eateries and I am returning to my hometown with my children, when they're hungry I have to find an eatery, so I choose to use this old road," he added. — Bernama