Federal Route 1
Overview
Federal Route 1 is Malaysia’s oldest and most historic north–south road, spanning approximately 772 km. Established in the early 20th century and continuously upgraded over the decades, it is a vital artery linking Perlis in the north to Johor in the south. Operated by the Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR), this route plays a crucial role in trade, travel, and logistics, connecting major towns and cities across Peninsular Malaysia. Federal Route 1 is often considered the backbone of Malaysia’s road network due to its extensive coverage and historical significance.
Route Overview
Federal Route 1 runs primarily in a north–south direction, beginning at Bukit Kayu Hitam, Perlis, near the Thai border, and ending at Johor Bahru, Johor. It passes through several states, including Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, and Johor. Key expressway codes intersecting with this route include E1 (North–South Expressway Northern Route) and E2 (North–South Expressway Southern Route). Federal Route 1 closely follows historical trade routes, making it a scenic yet functional highway for travelers.
Key Cities and Exits
Federal Route 1 connects numerous important cities and towns, offering access to cultural, commercial, and industrial hubs. Key points along the route include:
- Bukit Kayu Hitam (Perlis) – Northern gateway to Thailand.
- Alor Setar (Kedah) – Historical city with heritage architecture.
- Penang (Seberang Perai) – Entry to the Penang mainland.
- Ipoh (Perak) – Gateway to limestone hills and colonial landmarks.
- Seremban (Negeri Sembilan) – Junction to North–South Expressway (E2).
- Melaka City (Melaka) – UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Johor Bahru (Johor) – Southern terminus connecting Singapore via Second Link.
Scenic Highlights
Travelers along Federal Route 1 can enjoy diverse scenery, including:
- Northern paddy fields and plantations in Perlis and Kedah.
- Historical towns and colonial architecture in Ipoh and Alor Setar.
- Rolling limestone hills and caves near Ipoh.
- Heritage towns and rivers in Melaka.
- Coastal views near southern Johor.
Federal Route 1 offers a more scenic, leisurely alternative to the faster North–South Expressway.
Rest & Service Areas (R&R)
Unlike the modern expressways, Federal Route 1 features smaller rest stops and local eateries, including:
- Gerai R&R Sungai Perak (Perak) – Local food stalls and petrol station.
- R&R Seremban Selatan (Negeri Sembilan) – Petrol, food courts, and toilets.
- Local kopitiams and roadside stalls offering traditional Malaysian meals like nasi lemak, roti canai, and teh tarik.
Toll Information
Federal Route 1 is mostly toll-free, except where it intersects with expressways like E1 and E2, which require toll payments. Accepted payment methods on connected expressways include:
- Touch ‘n Go cards
- RFID electronic toll
- SmartTAG devices
Sample tolls (E1/E2 segments):
- Kuala Lumpur – Johor Bahru: ~RM 35–40 for passenger cars.
Safety & Facilities
Federal Route 1 is patrolled regularly by local police and highway agencies. Key safety notes:
- Standard speed limits: 90–110 km/h on rural stretches, 60–80 km/h near towns.
- Single and dual carriageway lanes in many segments; watch for slower vehicles.
- Emergency services are accessible via 999 or local highway patrols.
Useful Apps & Resources
Stay updated with traffic and road conditions using:
- PLUSRonda app – Emergency services on connected expressways.
- Google Maps / Waze – Real-time navigation and traffic updates.
- JKR official website – Road works and route planning.
Travel Tips
- Best travel times: Early morning or late evening to avoid traffic near urban centers.
- Driving tips: Observe lane discipline, slow down near towns, and be prepared for heavy vehicles.
- Tourist tip: Take scenic detours to historic towns like Ipoh, Melaka, or Alor Setar for cultural experiences.
Connecting Expressways
Federal Route 1 intersects with multiple major highways:
- North–South Expressway Northern Route (E1) – Parallel alternative for faster travel.
- North–South Expressway Southern Route (E2) – Southbound connection to Johor Bahru.
- Federal Route 5 – West Coast route linking Perak to Malacca.
Summary Table
| Expressway Name | Code | Total Length | Operator | Start & End Points | States Covered | Average Speed Limit | Toll Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Route 1 | FT1 | 772 km | Malaysian Public Works Dept | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru | Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor | 90–110 km/h | Mostly Toll-Free |
Conclusion
Federal Route 1 remains one of Malaysia’s most historically significant and practical highways. Beyond its role in connecting the northern and southern regions, it offers travelers scenic views, cultural experiences, and access to important towns. Whether for commerce, tourism, or daily travel, Federal Route 1 continues to be an essential route in Malaysia’s road network, bridging history and modern mobility.
| Road Name | Road Short Name | Code | Main Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| North–South Expressway (PLUS) | North–South Expressway | PLUS / E1, E2 | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru |
| North–South Expressway Central Link | ELITE Expressway | E6 | Shah Alam – Nilai North |
| New Klang Valley Expressway | NKVE | E1 | Kuala Lumpur – Klang |
| Federal Highway | Federal Highway | E5 | Kuala Lumpur – Klang |
| Damansara–Puchong Expressway | LDP | E11 | Damansara – Puchong |
| Shah Alam Expressway | KESAS | E5 | Sri Petaling – Pandamaran |
| New Pantai Expressway | NPE | E10 | Subang – Bangsar |
| Maju Expressway | MEX | E20 | Kuala Lumpur – Putrajaya |
| Kajang Dispersal Link | SILK | E18 | Kajang – Semenyih |
| Kajang–Seremban Highway | LEKAS | E21 | Kajang – Seremban |
| South Klang Valley Expressway | SKVE | E26 | Pulau Indah – Kajang |
| Guthrie Corridor Expressway | GCE | E35 | Shah Alam – Rawang |
| Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway | KLK | E8 | Gombak – Karak |
| East Coast Expressway Phase 1 | LPT1 | E8 | Karak – Kuantan |
| East Coast Expressway Phase 2 | LPT2 | E8 | Kuantan – Kuala Nerus |
| Butterworth–Kulim Expressway | BKE | E15 | Butterworth – Kulim |
| Penang Bridge | Penang Bridge | E36 | Gelugor – Perai |
| Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge | Second Penang Bridge | E28 | Batu Maung – Batu Kawan |
| Johor Bahru Eastern Dispersal Link | EDL | E14 | Pandan – CIQ Johor |
| Senai–Desaru Expressway | SDE | E22 | Senai – Desaru |
| Second Link Expressway | Linkedua | E3 | Senai – Tuas (Singapore) |
| Kuala Lumpur–Seremban Expressway | KL–Seremban | E37 | Kuala Lumpur – Seremban |
| Cheras–Kajang Expressway | Grand Saga | E7 | Cheras – Kajang |
| Kuala Lumpur–Putrajaya Expressway | MEX | E20 | KL – Putrajaya – KLIA |
| West Coast Expressway | WCE | E32 | Taiping – Banting |
| Central Spine Road | CSR | – | Bentong – Kuala Krai |
| Federal Route 1 | Federal Route 1 | FT1 | Bukit Kayu Hitam – Johor Bahru |
| Federal Route 2 | Federal Route 2 | FT2 | Port Klang – Kuantan |
| Federal Route 3 | Federal Route 3 | FT3 | Johor Bahru – Rantau Panjang |
| Federal Route 4 | Federal Route 4 | FT4 | Gerik – Jeli |
| Federal Route 5 | Federal Route 5 | FT5 | Ipoh – Johor Bahru |
| Federal Route 8 | Federal Route 8 | FT8 | Kuala Lumpur – Kota Bharu |
| Federal Route 9 | Federal Route 9 | FT9 | Karak – Tampin |
| Federal Route 10 | Federal Route 10 | FT10 | Temerloh – Gemas |
| Federal Route 24 | Federal Route 24 | FT24 | Muar – Yong Peng |
| Federal Route 50 | Federal Route 50 | FT50 | Batu Pahat – Kluang – Jemaluang |
| Federal Route 51 | Federal Route 51 | FT51 | Melaka City – Alor Gajah |
| Federal Route 54 | Federal Route 54 | FT54 | Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Selangor |
| Federal Route 76 | Federal Route 76 | FT76 | Kuala Kangsar – Baling – Kulim |
| Federal Route 67 | Federal Route 67 | FT67 | Sungai Petani – Kuala Ketil |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Sabah) | Pan Borneo Sabah | AH150 / PBHS | Kota Kinabalu – Tawau |
| Kimanis–Keningau Highway | Kimanis–Keningau Road | – | Kimanis – Keningau |
| Kota Belud–Ranau Road | Kota Belud–Ranau | – | Coastal – Interior link |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Sarawak) | Pan Borneo Sarawak | AH150 / PBHS | Telok Melano – Miri |
| Kuching–Serian Road | Kuching–Serian | – | Kuching – Serian |
| Bintulu–Miri Coastal Road | Bintulu–Miri Coastal | – | Bintulu – Miri |
| Kota Bharu–Kuala Krai Expressway | KBKK Expressway | KBKK | Kota Bharu – Kuala Krai |
| Pan Borneo Highway (Overall) | Pan Borneo Highway | PBH | Across Sabah & Sarawak |
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