Many Malaysians in Thailand returning from the long holidays couldn’t make it home as soon as they expected due to the hectic traffic at the Thai-Malaysia border at Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah.
Over 500 vehicles were stuck in traffic at the border that stretched for more than 3km, causing the traffic to last for over 12 hours.
The congestion started at 12 PM on Monday (15 September) when many Malaysians flocked to the Sadao and Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoints to return to their homeland. According to the Hatyai Focus, it was the WORST congestion in the Sadao checkpoint’s history in 50 years.
The massive traffic also caused some of the drivers to spend the night in their cars after they missed the border closing time.
As for those who didn’t want the discomfort of staying the night in the vehicles, some had no choice but to turn back to Thailand for another night after the border gates closed at 11 PM (12 PM Malaysian time), despite having obtained their exit stamps at the Immigration.
In another report by Kwong Wah Yit Poh, a Malaysian traveller said that he was already at the checkpoint as early as 10 AM.
“So close, yet so far”
By that time, the congestion had already stretched over 1km, but the man, who was with his family members and friends, remained hopeful that they could make it back in time. The man, Mr. Cai, said that he was already near the checkpoint, yet he was unable to return to Malaysia and left Thailand.
After the border gates had closed, Mr. Cai had no choice but to turn back to Dannok and first fill his stomach before finding a hotel to stay the night.
Most of the hotels in the city were fully booked, but with the help of a friend, Mr. Cai managed to get rooms for his family and his friends at higher prices.
“The room was expensive, costing THB2,800 (~RM370 a night), but at least I didn’t have to sleep in my car.”
Mr. Cai added that he only started working today (September 17) and planned to return to Malaysia on Monday, so that he could enjoy another day of leisure holiday on Malaysia Day.
