Wednesday September 23, 2009
Foreigners head back after Raya
By PRIYA MENON
WHILE Malaysians left Kuala Lumpur to celebrate Hari Raya with their families, foreigners were seen crowding at the Puduraya bus station after having a good time in the city as they prepare to get back to work.
The foreigners flocked to the ticket counters to buy tickets to go the various parts of the Klang Valley.
Checking out: A check by StarMetro at the Pudu Raya station discovered foreigners leaving KL for their respective towns as they prepare to get back to work. In fact, the bus station seemed busier compared with last week when Malaysians left town for home.
Bus operators and Puduraya employees had their hands full as they directed travellers lost in transit to the designated bays.
Many were seen queuing up for the Bukit Jalil shuttle bus service at the Puduraya hub to catch buses heading towards the south.
Adi Riyadi, 23, from Java in Indonesia said the Raya celebrations have been bearable because he came down to KL.
“At least I spent my Raya with friends here in KL instead of being in Johor all alone,” he said.
Adi, who has been in Malaysia for three years, said he could not go home for the holidays as he was on leave for a few days only.
Quiet side: As the foreigners prepare to leave KL, there were no sight of KLites coming home at the bus station. The arrival bay was devoid of any people or buses, leaving the place congestion free. Lreta, 19, who is also from Java, said life had been tough ever since she came to Malaysia two years ago.
“I miss my family so much. During Raya, I get very nostalgic as I reminisce about my time at home,” she said.
The shy girl who works in Penang said it was the norm for them to play firecrackers in Indonesia during the celebrations.
Razik Ahmad, 21, was at the Pudu- raya station to bid farewell to his friends who were heading home.
He said having friends over at his place during Raya meant the world to him.
“We all got together, cooked good food like rendang and even bought some cookies to eat.
“It’s nice to have friends over at my place,” he said.
As the foreigners prepared to leave KL, there were no sign of KLites coming home at the bus station.
The arrival bay was devoid of any people or buses, leaving the place free of congestion.
The security at the bus station, however, remains beefed up as police officers were seen patrolling the area on foot and Uda Mall employees were scattered throughout the station with walkie talkies.
Road Transport Department officers were also seen checking on buses and touts in the area.
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