KUALA LUMPUR: Taking full advantage of the Christmas break and the long school holidays, crowds flocked to popular and iconic locations around the federal capital, causing a slight increase in traffic on certain roads.
Tourist attractions such as the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Zoo Negara, KLCC and the Kuala Lumpur Tower were thronged by people taking leisurely strolls with their children since early Monday morning.
Several major shopping centres and business areas, such as Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, were also packed with visitors who did not want to miss promotional prices during year-end sales.
The same situation was observed at rail service stations, which were crowded with especially the younger generation who found it more convenient to use public transport, reported Bernama.
Mazri Ishak, 33, from Muar, Johor, said he chose to come for a vacation in the federal capital with his wife and children to take them to places such as Zoo Negara and the National Planetarium.
“While visiting relatives in the Klang Valley, we took the opportunity to bring the children to interesting places that could provide them with knowledge, such as the National Planetarium.
“I also took the family on a double-decker bus, the KL Hop-On Hop-Off, to explore the beauty of the city centre at night,” said Mazri, a teacher.
Meanwhile, restaurant operator Amru Ishak, 40, from Ampang, said he took the opportunity to visit the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park with his children after his restaurant received fewer customers compared with other days.
“I decided to come here after seeing a decline in customers at the restaurant, perhaps because many have left Kuala Lumpur for vacations or to return to their hometowns.
“So, even if it’s just a brief excursion within the Klang Valley, it’s enough to dispel my children’s boredom,” he said.
Ehailing driver Mohd Azril Ahmad, 38, said bookings for such services around the federal capital were double the usual.
“During long public holidays, an estimate for ehailing drivers can be between 25 and 30 trips a day, with gross commissions reaching up to RM500 a day.
“Despite the relatively high cost of ehailing due to the high demand currently, customers prefer its convenience over parking hassles or transfers to other public transportation,” he said.
Meanwhile, the long holiday break was a time for families and friends to get together as observed in Batu Pahat, Johor; Alor Setar, Kedah; and Arau, Perlis.
There were bustling activities in shopping centres, with crowds flocking to these establishments in the three states.
Many visitors were seen taking the opportunity to capture special moments by posing for pictures amid the festive ambiance and alongside Christmas decorations.
