After two years of travel restrictions, Malaysians from all walks of life are looking forward to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
The balik kampung exodus is expected to begin on April 29, due to the long break.
Labour Day falls on May 1, which is a Sunday, and as such, Monday (May 2) is a public holiday. The first day of Aidilfitri will most probably be on May 3.
Highway operators are bracing for a surge of vehicles on the roads this time around. Two million vehicles are projected to ply the North-South Expressway (PLUS) daily during peak travel periods, between April 29 and May 9.
PLUS managing director, Datuk Azman Ismail, in a statement today, said the highway operator will issue its Travel Time Advisory “soon” to help motorists plan their journeys.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) will also provide additional Electric Train Services (ETS) and introduce a special train service in conjunction with the festive season.
In a statement today, KTMB said the Keluarga Malaysia Special Express will offer 516 tickets, while the additional ETS service will see 4,368 tickets up for grabs. This is to meet the surge in demand from passengers.
Airline tickets are also being snapped up. This has prompted the Sarawak Transport Ministry to reach out to airline operators, requesting them to provide reasonable fares to the state, especially for the upcoming Aidilfitri, and Hari Gawai on June 1.