PETALING JAYA: Many Malaysians are opting for last-minute journeys for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidiladha, with some finding cheaper fares compared to Hari Raya Aidilfitri, while others turn to alternative routes to manage costs.
Auni Tasnim Ahmad Soberi, 27, a medical assistant working in Kuala Lumpur, will be heading back to Penang a few days before Hari Raya Aidiladha, expected on May 27, though her trip is still unplanned.
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“For Raya Haji, I don’t mind buying last-minute tickets, unlike during Raya Aidilfitri, when I had to book (the train) months in advance.
She added that she will spend about four days in Penang before returning to work in Kuala Lumpur.
“The journey takes about five hours, and my total fare was around RM200, without discounts.
“Of course, cheaper would be better, but I don’t mind since I rarely go back,” she said when met at the train station.
Meanwhile, Nur Syamimi Alysa Mohamad Isa, 23, from Sarawak, secured a flight to Kuching at a bargain.
“I just bought this flight ticket earlier this week, quite last minute actually, but it’s really worth it because Hari Raya Haji tickets are much cheaper compared to Aidilfitri,” said Syamimi, who owns a baking business.
“The ticket price was only RM320 for a return trip to KL. I booked it for a six-day stay, and the process was easy through the app.
“Last year, it was pricey up to RM900 for one person, so I’m lucky it’s cheaper this time,” she added.
Anna Lee, 25, a freelancer in Kuala Lumpur, said she will be travelling back to Melaka by bus to spend time with her family.
“I haven’t bought my tickets yet, but I saw there are seats available. The return fare is about RM26, which is reasonable.
“I don’t mind the cost as long as I don’t have to drive, since the bus is more convenient for me,” she said.
Lee added that she plans to leave on May 24, and return by May 28.
Meanwhile, Azira Bahri, 28, a barista from Miri, said due to expensive plane tickets, she will be driving back to Kota Kinabalu from Miri, which is about a seven- to eight-hour journey during the long holidays.
“I’m okay with this mode of transport as I can save up to 50% of my total cost, and only need to pay for the Brunei exit and entry system service pass for RM65 one way for her 16 days in Kota Kinabalu from May 23 to June 7.
