KUALA LUMPUR: After two years of celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, this year's celebration is indeed highly anticipated by Malaysians looking to return to their respective hometowns.
Public transport such as buses and trains are also among the popular modes of heading home.
A survey by Bernama at these transport centres found that many visitors were eager to return home early for Hari Raya, but they complied with the SOPs in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.
At Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), a housewife, Farah Hanim Ishak, 25, who was waiting to board the bus with her three children and sister-in-law said she had bought the tickets two weeks earlier to ensure they could return to her hometown in Kedah.
"It's fun to go back this time around, although my husband couldn't come because of work," she said.
Nur Aqilah Fakhira Ayub, 22, a student of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), said this was the first time she was taking a bus to return to Johor for Raya.
"I'm using the bus because my family can't come to pick me up and I don't want to bother them as well, plus I have friends who are going back together, so it'll be a new experience," she said.
In Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral), the Electric Train Service (ETS) is one of the more popular choices among students as it offers special prices to them.
"The original ticket price is RM70 if you want to go back to Taiping (Perak) but because there is a student price, it is only RM40.
My friends are also taking the same train, so it will not be a boring affair," said Nur Afreena Mohd Rosli, 22, a student of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam.
A disabled massage therapist, Khairul Nizam, 44, said he used the ETS to return to his village in Negeri Sembilan because of the friendly treatment he received.
"I have a vision problem, so the crew here always helps me in terms of seating, and when I reach my destination, they will also help me," he said.
A private worker, Amir Afif Azmi, 35, said he and his family were very excited to return to Perlis this year because it had been a long time since everyone had gathered for Aidilfitri.
"I already bought the tickets two months ago, because my wife and I would rather take the six-hour train ride than getting stuck in traffic," he said.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is expected to add four more trains to Padang Besar to accommodate the high number of passengers this festive season.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Apr 30 2022
After two years of celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, this year's celebration is indeed highly anticipated by Malaysians looking to return to their respective hometowns. - Astro AWANI/Shahir Omar
Floods in Sabah, Sarawak: PM orders NADMA to strengthen federal, state response machinery
PM says the primary focus at this moment is the welfare of flood victims and ensuring the safety of people in the affected areas.
Millions of Hindus take "holy dip" a day after fatal stampede
Devotees take daily 'holy dips,' but on certain dates, "royal" dips are deemed more sacred, drawing larger crowds.
Trump orders agencies to scrub 'gender ideology' from contracts, websites
Federal agencies are required to "recognise women are biologically female, and men are biologically male."
US figure skaters were on board plane that crashed into Potomac River
US Figure Skating said athletes, coaches, and families returning from the National Development Camp were aboard the flight.
Disaster relief assets deployed to flood-affected areas in Sarawak - Ahmad Zahid
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that, so far, more than 50 relief centres have been activated to house flood victims in the state.
Air traffic controller audio captures moments before and after Washington plane crash
The crash caught on a webcam, shows the aircraft exploding in flames and plummeting to earth after it was struck by the helicopter.
Scores feared dead in Washington after jet collides with helicopter, crashes into river
Officials gave no death toll, but Senator Roger Marshall said most, if not all, aboard the Kansas-origin flight likely died in the crash.
Tiong: Additional personnel mobilised to assist in Bintulu disaster relief efforts
Without specifying the exact number, Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the personnel are expected to arrive tomorrow.
Palestinian forces begin handover of three Israeli hostages in latest stage of ceasefire deal
Palestinian forces handed over three Israeli hostages in Gaza for 110 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire deal on Thursday.
Landslide cuts off Kanowit-Song access - Nanta Linggi
Jalan Song/Sipan-Temalat has been closed to all vehicles today following a landslide that cut off access between Kanowit and Song,
What caused the stampede at India's Maha Kumbh festival that killed dozens?
Here are some details about the incident and the situation on the ground.
Rashford must change if he wants Man United return, says Amorim
Marcus Rashford has not played for United since last month, after he admitted he was ready for a new challenge in his career.
How transgender troops prepared to fight Trump's new policy
Advocates argue the executive order stigmatises transgender service members by labeling them medically and morally unfit.
India orders probe into Kumbh festival stampede that killed dozens
The government has decided that a judicial inquiry of the incident will be done, says Uttar Pradesh state Chief Minister.
Tunku Mahkota Ismail calls for mindset change to solve persistent issues in M-League
Tunku Mahkota Ismail also addressed other concerns about late salary payments and some team management's neglect of their clubs' welfare.
What were the aircraft involved in midair crash in Washington DC?
Air traffic control recordings appear to capture the final attempted communications with the helicopter, before it collides with the plane.
Tesla commits to cheaper cars in first half, sees autonomous vehicles 'in the wild' in June
Tesla says the company would start testing a paid autonomous car service in June.
Vehicles plough into people outside KL nightspot, two injured
The police receive a report about the incident from a 24-year-old man who witnesses it.
Girl, 7, dies of suspected abuse by parents
Police says the post-mortem found old and fresh abuse signs on the victim, with death caused by abdominal injuries from a blunt object.
American Airlines jet, Army helicopter collide, crash into Washington's Potomac River
The Washington Post reports that multiple bodies have been recovered from the water.