Malaysia’s bus terminals are bracing for the annual Hari Raya travel rush, which sees city people departing back to their ancestral homes. This festive homecoming, a hallmark of the celebration, brings a surge of activity to these transit hubs, notably at the primary bus terminals in Malaysia.
Bus conductors across Kuching Sentral have observed a considerable uptick in passenger volume as the holiday approaches, with some eager travellers willing to stand if seats are filled, underscoring the terminal’s expected congestion. Many now opt for private vehicles for the Sungai Merah bus terminal, where public transportation was once the norm. However, for some, the bus journey retains its charm amongst the travellers for its economic drive.
Bus terminals like Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal have recorded almost 30% of bookings for express bus tickets to Peninsular Malaysia’s states, including Hari Raya Adilfitri. Despite the early days of fasting, tickets to Terengganu and Kelantan are sold out, with availability still for northern and southern destinations. Early ticket booking is a strategy for ticket purchases by travellers aiming to avoid festive price hikes, with tickets increasing from RM50 to RM60. One of the prominent bus operators is the Billion Star Express, which dominates ticket sales due to its extensive trip offerings while noting the inevitability of traffic-induced delays.
For travellers who are on a budget, like students, buses offer a cost-effective solution for returning home during Aidilfitri. Budget travellers can also book bus tickets online and enjoy fast check-ins amidst the Hari Raya travel rush with QR code boarding passes at just RM1 at terminals like Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Melaka Sentral, Penang Sentral, and others.
As the week progresses, the scramble for transportation tickets—whether by bus, train, or plane—is expected to intensify, highlighting the importance of these modes of transport in facilitating the cherished homecoming tradition during one of Malaysia’s most beloved festivals. This yearly phenomenon exemplifies the logistical readiness of Malaysia’s transportation sector and the deep-rooted cultural significance of Hari Raya Adilfitri in reuniting families and communities in celebration and reflection.
