Aidiladha rush causes heavy congestion at Malaysia–Thailand border
RANTAU PANJANG: Heavy congestion has gripped the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex at the border crossing here, as Thai nationals make their way home to celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha.
Checks at the border crossing found travellers queuing as early as 5am, although the gates only opened at 7am. The large crowd began massing at the border since Wednesday.
Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Aidiladha on June 7.
Traffic leading to the complex stretched for more than one kilometre, with long queues of vehicles inching forward throughout the day.
The crowd largely comprised Thai citizens heading home for the holidays.
Thai national Sukri Mamat, 26, who works in Kuala Lumpur, said he was looking forward to seeing his loved ones in Narathiwat after a long journey.
"I got a week's leave and wanted to celebrate Aidiladha with my family in Narathiwat. By the time I arrived at 5am, there was already a long queue waiting for the ICQS to open," said Sukri.
He added that such congestion was not unusual at this time of year.
"Every festive season, it's like this. Despite the fatigue from travelling and waiting, I'm excited to reunite with my family," he said.
However, some Malaysians were also travelling into southern Thailand for a short getaway during the school break and festive weekend.
Local resident Ismail Ahmad, 42, was also among those making the early morning crossing, this time for leisure.
"We decided to take the opportunity to visit Pattani for a short break," he said.
Ismail said the trip was mainly for sightseeing and to enjoy Thai cuisine.
"We just want to walk around and enjoy the food. We'll head back tomorrow," he said.
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