Federal Route 4
Overview
Federal Route 4 is a vital east–west trunk road in northern Peninsular Malaysia, connecting key towns and facilitating trade and travel. Stretching approximately 640 km, this highway traverses multiple states including Perlis, Kedah, and Kelantan. It plays a crucial role in linking inland communities with the northern coastal regions and is managed by the Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR). Since its completion, Federal Route 4 has improved regional connectivity, supporting logistics, tourism, and local commerce.
Route Overview
Federal Route 4 primarily runs from Padang Besar near the Malaysia–Thailand border in the west to Pasir Puteh in Kelantan in the east. Acting as a strategic east–west corridor, it intersects major north–south highways, enabling efficient travel across northern Peninsular Malaysia. Key milestones along the route include towns like Alor Setar, Jeli, Tanah Merah, and Machang. The highway combines scenic rural landscapes with stretches of rolling hills and river valleys, making the journey both functional and picturesque.
Key Cities and Exits
Along its route, Federal Route 4 serves several key towns and interchanges:
- Padang Besar: Starting point and gateway to Thailand.
- Alor Setar: Capital of Kedah, with connections to Alor Setar Airport.
- Jitra: Agricultural town with local markets.
- Kodiang & Sik: Links to small rural communities and plantations.
- Gua Musang: Important for inland travel to Kelantan.
- Tanah Merah & Machang: Connecting points for travelers heading towards Kota Bharu.
- Pasir Puteh: Eastern terminus providing access to Kelantan’s coastal towns.
Major intersections along the route connect to highways such as North–South Expressway E1/E2 and East Coast Highway E8, enhancing nationwide connectivity.
Scenic Highlights
Travelers on Federal Route 4 are treated to a variety of landscapes:
- Rolling Paddy Fields: Particularly around Kedah’s rice bowl region.
- Jeli Highlands: Offers breathtaking views of tropical hills and forests.
- Kelantan River Valleys: Scenic stretches with cultural villages along the way.
- Heritage Towns: Stops at Alor Setar or Tanah Merah showcase traditional Malay architecture and local markets.
The highway provides an excellent balance of practical travel and scenic exploration, making it ideal for both commuters and tourists.
Rest & Service Areas (R&R)
Federal Route 4 offers several R&R stops, catering to both short breaks and longer rest periods:
- Alor Setar R&R: Food courts, petrol stations, prayer rooms, and clean toilets.
- Gua Musang R&R: Scenic stop near hills, ideal for photography and refreshments.
- Tanah Merah Rest Area: Convenient for local snacks and roadside services.
These areas provide essential facilities for long-distance drivers, including parking, fuel, and light refreshments.
Toll Information
Federal Route 4 uses a mix of open and tolled sections:
- Payment methods include Touch ‘n Go, SmartTAG, and RFID.
- Sample toll rates:
- Padang Besar to Alor Setar: ~RM 5
- Jeli to Pasir Puteh: ~RM 7
Travelers should carry sufficient cash or reloadable cards for smoother journeys.
Safety & Facilities
Safety on Federal Route 4 is supported by:
- Regular patrol services by PLUSRonda and JKR emergency teams.
- Speed limits: Generally 90 km/h on rural stretches, with reduced limits near towns.
- Emergency lanes and breakdown services available at key locations.
Drivers are advised to stay alert on winding sections, particularly in highland areas.
Useful Apps & Resources
- PLUS Mobile App: Real-time traffic updates and route planning.
- Google Maps & Waze: Navigation with traffic alerts.
- JKR Official Website: Highway conditions, construction updates, and contact info.
These tools help travelers plan journeys efficiently and avoid delays.
Travel Tips
- Best travel times: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid local traffic peaks.
- Driving etiquette: Keep left, overtake safely, and follow highway signs.
- Planning: Long-distance drivers should schedule breaks at R&R stops for safety and comfort.
Connecting Expressways
Federal Route 4 connects seamlessly with several major highways:
- North–South Expressway (E1/E2): For north–south travel along Peninsular Malaysia.
- East Coast Expressway (E8): Connects travelers to central and southern Kelantan.
- Federal Route 3: Provides coastal access to Kelantan’s beaches.
These connections enhance its role as a key corridor for trade and tourism.
Summary Table
| Expressway Name | Code | Total Length | Operator | Start & End Points | States Covered | Average Speed Limit | Toll Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Route 4 | FR4 | ~640 km | JKR | Padang Besar – Pasir Puteh | Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan | 90 km/h | Open / Toll Sections |
Conclusion
Federal Route 4 is more than just a highway; it is a lifeline for northern Peninsular Malaysia. Connecting rural towns, urban centers, and scenic landscapes, it enhances trade, tourism, and local travel. With well-maintained facilities, essential safety measures, and connections to major expressways, Federal Route 4 ensures smooth journeys and contributes significantly to regional development.
| 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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