DISAPPOINTED PASSENGERS SIGH AS BUS TICKETS SOLD OUT

12 JAN 2021

By Anne Sham

KOTA KINABALU: Only a few hours left before the second phase Movement Control Order (MCO 2.0) take effect at midnight tonight, a large crowd was seen preparing to embark for their 'balik kampung' journey, particularly those that use public transport.

In Inanam Bus Terminal, it seemed that a lot of individuals were flocking around the bus ticker counter to purchase their tickets, especially those from the East Coast of Sabah, as if they were going back to their hometown for a festive season.

Based on a survey by Nabalu News, many were left stranded as bus tickets were sold out and all they could do was hoping for a miracle by midnight - either for the availability of bus tickets or perhaps even private or chartered transport.

Most of those who want to go back home from Kota Kinabalu heaved a sigh of disappointment when they found out that bus tickets have sold out since this morning.

Among those who expressed the displeasure was Omar Jardi who hailed from Kampung Simunul, Semporna. He however said that he would find another possible way as long as he could return to his hometown.

"It's been a year since the last I returned to Semporna. I did not expect that it is only one

Omar and his son.

day before the MCO take effect tomorrow because it was just announced yesterday.

"I arrived (at the terminal) around 1pm ... There is no more available bus tickets to Semporna," said Omar, who was accompanied by his son Adriashah.

He added that his son was downhearted as he has not seen his mother for one year. His mother is in Semporna at the moment and requires medical attention.

Another passenger, Nurjita Haya said, she was lucky to have bought a bus ticket to Lahad Datu.

"I am returning to Tungku, Lahad Datu. Thankfully my son managed to buy me a bus ticket yesterday before it sold out ... A lot of others were unfortunate since they didn't manage to grab one for themselves.

The situation at the terminal was seen still under control despite some congestion at the ticket counter. It was found that the public was complying to the standard operating procedures (SOP) by wearing face masks.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin announced that MCO will be implemented in six states, including Sabah, for two weeks starting 12.01 midnight (13 Jan).