SINGAPORE, Jan 11 — Securing tickets to return home to Malaysia during Chinese New Year has become an annual challenge for many Malaysians working in Singapore, with airfares surging and alternative transport options quickly selling out.
The Straits Times reported that for logistics executive Tan Yik Xuan, getting a seat on a flight back to his hometown of Ipoh required early planning and a willingness to pay more.
The 26-year-old purchased his return tickets in October 2025 — four months ahead of Chinese New Year 2026 — paying about S$630 (RM2,174).
“It’s much more expensive than the usual off-peak fare of under S$320 (RM1,104),” he reportedly said, adding that he still prefers flying over taking a bus due to the shorter travel time and the ability to avoid traffic congestion.
Checks by The Straits Times in the week beginning Jan 5 showed that return economy-class tickets from Singapore to Ipoh for travel between Feb 14 and 19 cost between S$822 and S$1,222 (RM2,834–RM4,216) — more than six times the S$124 to S$191 (RM428–RM659) charged in the preceding week.
Chinese New Year falls on Feb 17 and 18, with many Malaysians travelling home for reunion dinners on the eve. Those making last-minute plans are expected to face steeper prices across air and land transport.
Return airfares to Kuala Lumpur in the days leading up to the festival range from S$420 to S$1,245 (RM1,449–RM4,290), compared with S$99 to S$345 (RM342–RM1,190) from Feb 7 to 12. Flights to Penang during the Feb 14 to 19 period cost between S$628 and S$1,049 (RM2,166–RM3,620), up from S$107 to S$469 (RM369–RM1,618) the week before.
Singapore Airlines and its budget arm Scoot declined to disclose booking figures, citing commercial sensitivities, but said they continue to see “healthy passenger demand” during the Chinese New Year travel period.
Bus fares have also climbed. Round-trip tickets from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur cost between S$89 and S$276 (RM307–RM952) for Feb 14 to 19, compared with S$51 to S$153 (RM176–RM527) in the previous week.
Return bus tickets to Penang during the same period range from S$198 to S$370 (RM683–RM1,277), while fares to Ipoh can reach between S$214 and S$330 (RM738–RM1,139).
By contrast, a week earlier, return bus tickets to Penang were priced between S$83 and S$133 (RM286–RM459), while trips to Ipoh cost between S$71 and S$104 (RM245–RM359).
Malaysian bus operator Causeway Link said it expects heavy crowds and strong ticket demand during the peak season, adding that backup buses will be deployed when necessary. It declined to share ridership figures.
