SINGAPORE: Thursday was the start of a long public holiday weekend but for some Singaporeans it might have started the day before as they crossed over the Causeway to spend their holidays.
It had been brisk business for bus operators going into Johor since 6 o'clock in the morning.
Hundreds of people were seen eagerly boarding the buses, some with heavy luggage, and many with friends or families in tow.
"We are going to Johor Bahru, and then Kuala Lumpur and Penang. After that, we are flying back. My friends want to do some shopping," said a woman commuter.
"This is a long weekend. I take leave on Friday and we go for some retreat from work," said another.
"I'm going home because it's a long holiday. I'm also meeting my friends in my home town," said a third.
There were also those who were heading into Malaysia for last-minute Hari Raya shopping.
"We want to buy for Hari Raya celebrations, buy kampung biscuits and cakes. The price is better than in Singapore, better than Geylang," said one.
With so many people heading to Malaysia, one would expect slow traffic at the Causeway, but it seemed that that was not the case, at least up till 1pm.
There was no traffic jam at the stretch nearing the Causeway nor at the roads after the Singapore customs.
Although traffic at the car lanes coming into Singapore seemed heavier, the bus lanes were fine.
"No jam today," said a woman.
"Everything is fine and good, going is very smooth, coming back to Singapore, also very smooth," said a man.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority had earlier advised commuters to plan their travel carefully to avoid possible congestion starting from the eve of Deepavali.
From the look of things, many might have heeded the advice. - CNA
The scene was filmed @ Kranji MRT Stn... Filmed SBS Sv 170X
FYI, SBS deployed all its 60 Sv 160/170 buses out for period bet Fri and Mon