Google Maps offers Malaysians traffic info

Google Malaysia today introduced three major enhancements to Google Maps, allowing Malaysian commuters to better plan their journey and look up real time information.

The enhancements are two new layers, Traffic and Transit, as well as a Bahasa Malaysia interface.

Sajith Sivanandan, Google Malaysia Country Manager said by turning on the Traffic layer on Maps, users can quickly see whether roads are congested or flowing freely based on colour coding.

"Red is for choc-a-bloc, yellow for slow moving and green for smooth flowing.

"This new layer makes it easier for drivers to plan alternative routes to their destination," he added, at a media briefing here today.

Transit provides information on travel via the Malaysian public transportation system on Google Maps.

It also offers a more sustainable option for Malaysians looking to avoid traffic congestion and get around town by using public transportation.

Sajith said the data for Traffic and Transit comes from a variety of sources, including, government departments of transportation and private data providers.

Meanwhile, Google Maps is now available in Bahasa Malaysia (BM).

The long waited BM version of Google Maps gives Malaysians the option of interfacing and navigating with Google Maps, using the language they are most comfortable with.

"These new enhancements are in line with Google's mission to organise the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful, while enhancing, improving and localising products and services," Sajith said. -- Bernama