KOTA KINABALU: Motorists in Sabah should expect increased traffic and possible congestion on Tuesday, as many Sabahan’s will head back to their respective hometowns on the eve of Hari Raya.
Sabah Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Superintendent Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa said roads from the city centre towards Tuaran, Penampang, and Papar districts are likely to be congested.
“We expect traffic to be heavy on June 4, because this is usually the period that residents will ‘balik kampung’. However, the traffic (going out from the city) will be smooth flowing,” he said.
Zamzuri also said this year there could be a slight difference in regards to traffic movement. This as they expect heavy traffic returning to the state capital following the Kaamatan and Gawai festivals during Hari Raya celebrations in the first few days.
“However, we have sufficient personnel to monitor the traffic situation, including at accident-prone roads. Although there might be congestion, we nevertheless expect smooth movement of vehicles,” he said.
Zamzuri advised motorists to comply with road safety regulations and follow speed limits to avoid untoward incidents during the festive season.
Nurhayati Abas, 34, said her family would usually "balik kampung" to Kota Belud at night to escape traffic congestion.
“The main road towards Tuaran is usually congested even when it is not a festive season. The same stretch will lead to Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and Kudat districts after passing Tuaran, as well as to the highland district of Kundasang.
“Hence, there will be heavy traffic. To avoid the congestion during the day, we decide to drive in the evening when there is less traffic,” she said.
In TAWAU, the ferry terminal was busy as many Indonesians working in Sabah began returning home for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Upto six ferry services are operating daily between Tawau and Tarakan as well as Nunukan in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Each ferry has a capacity to carry between 100 and 200 passengers.
A check showed that the ferry terminal was not packed as it was in previous festive occasions, due to the long public holiday period in Sabah which kicked off on May 30 for Kaamatan as well as the school holiday which began on May 25.
The ferry terminal is the one and only entry/exit for water based transport linking Nunukan and Tarakan with Tawau.
Many people choose the water transport as it is cheaper compared to air transport.
Rohana Hassanudin, 34, said she did not face any problem in buying her ticket for her journey.
“The price of a ticket is RM90 for an adult, whereas for children it is RM45 for the journey to Kampung Porsas in Nunukan Island, Indonesia."
Another passenger, Supardi Sarjhono, 38, who works in an oil palm estate in Keningau said he is excited to return home for Hari Raya after a 10-year lapse.
“It has been 10 years since I returned home for Hari Raya, as I had to work to financially assist my family.
“This Aidilfitri will be the most meaningful, as I would also be ending my bachelorhood,” he said.