PETALING JAYA, Oct 12 (Sin Chew Daily) – Malaysians are expected to go on a retaliatory “traveling spree” following the relaxation of travel bans.

Unusually high traffic

When contacted by Sin Chew Daily, both Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia said they had experienced unusually high web traffic as consumers were snatching up their promotional tickets and holiday packages online

Malaysia Airlines said their most sought after destinations were Langkawi, Penang and Kota Kinabalu.

The airline is now prepared to offer international travel packages to travelers once the travel bubble programs between Malaysia and major popular travel destinations are in place.

AirAsia, meanwhile, said their most popular destinations included Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Kota Bharu and Penang.

“Our AirAsia Super App traffic has surged more than 140% since the lifting of interstate travel ban.”

Cameron Highlands: Influx anticipated

In Cameron Highlands, many local hotel operators are expecting their occupancy rates to soar this coming weekend

They said they had received plenty of calls and inquiries on room availability since yesterday.

Datuk Yee Shan Kon, managing director of Rosa Passadena Hotel in Brinchang, told Sin Chew Daily the number of visitors to the hill resort had increased by around 20% compared to the previous MCO.

“We have received calls inquiring about accommodation.

“We estimate this week’s reservation rate to hit 40%, and believe there’ll be a dramatic surge this weekend.”

Even though businesses can now operate in full capacity, Yee confessed that local business owners remained cautious.

“While we worry about lack of tourists, we are also afraid of a sudden influx of tourists.”