MALACCA: Many passengers hunting for express bus tickets for the Hari Raya season ended up empty-handed on Tuesday after operators claimed tickets had been sold out. Some who went to the Malacca Sentral terminal on Monday were told that tickets had yet to be sold only to return the next day and be informed that they were too late.

Hafiz Shuib, 25, said he might not be able to return to Kota Baru due to the mix-up.

"It will be easier for all of us if there is a system for the sale of tickets. I am upset that I may not be able to go home for Raya," he said.

Norsyahila Ahmad Sahidan said her travel plans on Sept 24 had to be changed when she was told that tickets to Kulim had been sold out. She finally managed to get a ticket for RM45, up from the usual RM38.
Her friend, Arbayah Ahmad Yassin, 23, said she was in a quandary as only Transnasional Berhad had buses bouand for Temerloh and tickets were not available.

"Some clerks said the tickets had been sold out while others claimed the tickets were not on sale."

Malacca Omnibus Operators' Association chairman Razali Endun said the 30 per cent surcharge on fares would not be of much help for companies in the long run.

He said the association wanted to increase fares to offset rising costs.

"We will appreciate it if taxes on spare parts and accessories are waived to make our operations more cost-efficient." addthis_pub = 'nstonline';