Some opt to delay CNY commute home to avoid traffic congestion

PETALING JAYA: While many take the opportunity to 'balik kampung' due to the long weekend, there are some delaying their trip to avoid the massive traffic congestion on highways.
Engineer Lim Kuok Hoong, 34, who stays in Ampang said he will drive down to Penang only on the second day of Chinese New Year as he hates being caught in traffic jams.
"We usually have our reunion dinner on CNY eve as per tradition but I told my parents that I'll only come home on Tuesday. Thankfully they are open-minded and understand my situation.
"It usually takes about four to five hours for me to drive back to Penang, but if I head back today it could take me eight to nine hours. That happened a few times before," said Lim.
Marketing executive Chan Shui Lian,28, said she delayed her trip to Bentong, Pahang to next week due to work commitment.
Although her family is unhappy that she is breaking the family tradition for the reunion, she said: "I have no choice as I have to work due to shortage of staff."
"I work for an international trading company so they don't really stop work on holidays, I also delayed in applying for leave," she added.
For shopkeeper Low Jia Hao, he is heading home to Kajang from Subang Jaya to partake in the family reunion today.
"Its just a 30 minute drive and i will head home after doing some shopping for my mother," he said when met at Sunway Pyramid.