Malaysia is the top Hari Raya destination for Singaporeans

Domestic travel will continue to be a priority for Malaysians this Hari Raya. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

Malaysia is the top Hari Raya Aidilfitri destination among Singaporeans this year, according to booking data from a digital travel platform.

The data by Agoda revealed that Malaysia maintains its position as the top regional destination for Singaporeans during the upcoming festive season.

Meanwhile, domestic travel will continue to be a priority for Malaysians this Hari Raya with many people planning to travel throughout the states in the country.

"For many regions, the Eid celebration this year marks the first time since the onset of the pandemic that Muslims are able to travel freely, reunite and celebrate following the easing of travel restrictions," Agoda said in a statement.

Over 200,000 visitors from Singapore have entered Malaysia since April 1.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the gradual increase in the arrivals has given a ray of hope to the country’s tourism sector.

“Singapore tourists are expected to increase with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. They want to visit relatives in Malaysia and it is good news for the Malaysian economy," she told reporters during a recent event.

Agoda's booking data also revealed that the month of May is popular among travellers across South-East Asia.

This is because the first two weeks of the month include three public holidays namely Labour Day (May 1), Hari Raya ( May 3 and 4) and Wesak Day (May 16).

More than 1.2 million people crossed the land borders between Singapore and Malaysia in the first two weeks of these borders reopening fully.

During the Good Friday weekend recently, 436,800 travellers passed through the land checkpoints at the Causeway in Woodlands and the Second Link in Tuas.

Before the pandemic, about 415,000 people used the Causeway and Second Link daily.