KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — Public transport services nationwide are seeing a significant surge in demand as Malaysians prepare for their balik kampung journeys ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, prompting operators to increase capacity and frequency.
Major transport providers including Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) and Rapid KL have reported high ticket sales for intercity and urban routes, particularly for destinations in the northern and east coast regions. KTM ETS tickets for peak travel days were among the first to sell out, with additional coaches being considered to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
Bus operators have also recorded strong bookings, especially for routes connecting Kuala Lumpur to states such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis. Several operators have introduced extra trips during late-night and early-morning slots to manage demand and provide more travel options for passengers.
Meanwhile, urban rail services including LRT, MRT, and Monorail lines are expected to experience heavier ridership as city residents travel to transport hubs such as KL Sentral. Authorities are advising commuters to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra travel time, particularly during peak hours.
Transport analysts noted that the increasing reliance on public transport reflects both convenience and rising awareness of road congestion during festive periods. With major highways expected to face heavy traffic, many travellers are opting for trains and buses as a more predictable alternative.
In preparation for the surge, operators are enhancing crowd management measures, including deploying additional staff at stations, improving ticketing systems, and ensuring smoother boarding processes. Safety and maintenance checks have also been intensified to ensure all services operate reliably throughout the festive season.
Passengers are reminded to arrive early at stations and terminals, keep their belongings secure, and follow travel guidelines issued by operators. Authorities also encourage the use of digital tickets and cashless payments to reduce congestion at counters.
As the Hari Raya travel period draws closer, public transport usage is expected to reach peak levels within the next few days, highlighting the critical role of Malaysia’s transport network in supporting millions of festive across the country.
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