BY NUR ATIQAH QURATULAINI
KUCHING: Bus terminals here are again expected to see a significant increase in the number of commuters heading out to their villages for Hari Raya this year.
This is when urban residents typically make their way back to their hometowns to partake in family gatherings and festivities.
New Sarawak Tribune looked up the Kuching Sentral bus terminal to get a better feel on the anticipated rush ahead of the celebration.
Marina Kadir, 63, an AirAsia bus conductor, stated that during the Hari Raya celebration, the terminal will be crowded with people.
“As Hari Raya draws near, the number of passengers is expected to increase significantly,” she said.
According to her, there are instances where passengers are eager to board the bus even if there are no available seats.
“So, the bus is expected to be crowded with people during the Raya celebration,” she said.
Another bus conductor, Schyler Lanyau, 27, with Sungai Merah, said during the celebration, it may not get as crowded unlike in the past when most people relied on public transportation.
“The area used to be bustling with people during the Hari Raya season, but most people prefer using their own transportation nowadays,” he said.
But he said for some passengers, travelling by bus to their hometowns gives them a buzz, especially during the Hari Raya season.
“It’s clear that some passengers prefer taking the bus because it gives them a certain atmosphere.
“It evokes a sense of nostalgia as people used to rely on buses to travel from cities to their hometowns in the past,” he said.
