PORT KLANG: Scores of Indonesian Muslims have been left stranded at a ferry terminal here as thousands tried to make their way home to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri this weekend.
The management of Asa Niaga International Terminal in Harbour City estimated that around three thousands had to camp at the terminal until the festive day, expected to fall on Sunday, as many showed up last minute to grab their ferry tickets there.
Its executive chairman Datuk Shaari Jihin said they have five ferries that offer services daily, with each being able to carry only up to 300 passengers.
"The passengers should have booked their tickets at least two weeks earlier, so that they can grab the trips before Hari Raya.
"We have five ferries, and each return trip to Tanjung Balai in Sumatera takes about 10 hours. The ferries can only make one trip a day," he told the New Straits Times when met at the terminal earlier today.
Shaari was met when he was distributing bubur lambuk to civil servants on duty and passengers at the terminal. Also present was Selangor Customs Department director Datuk Sarip Ismail.
Passenger Ahmad Agus Ibrahim, 43, said his family of five had planned to celebrate Hari Raya at their hometown in Tanjung Balai, and went to the terminal yesterday to catch a ferry.
"It had been three years since we have gone back to our hometown, and my family was looking forward to going home today.
"But now, as there were no more seats available, we have to wait until tomorrow," said Agus, who works as a labourer in Klang.
Another stranded passenger Muhammad Budi, 29, was equally frustrated.
"I was expecting to reach home, the latest by tomorrow. But now, I do not know whether I would be able to make it home on time for Hari Raya.
"Now I have to wait, and hopefully I would be able to get on a ferry tomorrow or on Saturday," said Muhammad, who works as a waiter in Shah Alam.
He said he was anxious about getting home early because his father was not feeling well.
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