THOUSANDS of Malaysians were seen crowding the train and bus stations in the capital tonight, as Putrajaya’s midnight deadline to introduce movement control order to fight the Covid-19 pandemic looms.

People started queuing to buy tickets as early as 2pm, trying to beat the rush back to their hometowns as offices, colleges and universities closed for the 14 day nationwide pause.

Checks by the The Malaysian Insight found rail tickets to Butterworth, Penang and Padang Besar, Perlis were sold out.

However, no thermal scanners or tests were evident at stations

At KL Sentral, more than 500 people queued to get rail tickets to destinations in the north and south.

Those who were unable to purchase tickets, then made their way to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) bus station to seek an alternative route back home.

Fauzan Halis, 19, a student from University Kebangsaan Malaysia said his mother insisted that he take the train back home.

“Actually, I wanted to stay at the hostel but my mother called and insisted I get back home by tomorrow.

“For now, I bought a one-way ticket. I’m not sure if I will comeback by March 31 because my parents are still worried of the situation.

“Every day there are developments (more cases), like there is no end to it,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Another student V. Rajeshwaran, 18, who started college in January, said he is not willing to take any risks and was heading home to Tanjung Malim, Perak.

He said he and his family are worried about Covid-19.

“The situation is quite critical, with two deaths reported today. Everyone at my college is worried and they are going back.

“I will wait for an update from my college on the return date as we don’t know what will happen in between,” said the mechatronics student.

Today, the virus claimed its first two fatalities in Malaysia: a 60-year-old Sarawakian pastor and a 34-year-old tabligh attendee.

Health Minister Dr Adham Baba said 120 new cases were reported today, raising the total number of people testing positive to 673.

Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said there will be restriction on interstate travel, which will take effect at midnight and that anyone planning to travel after this will need clearance from the police.

He said the curtailment was part of the movement control order and it was aimed at curbing the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

Subarti Sabil, from Ipoh, who works at a private company said she came to Kuala Lumpur for a company course but after yesterday’s announcement, she said the company told them to go home.

“I am going back because I’m worried and I don’t want to stay here.

“Moreover, I have children back home. I feel the situation is dangerous. So, better to take preventative measures,” she said.

Over at TBS at 9pm tonight, the station was packed with commuters rushing to buy tickets.

Many were seen sitting along the corridors while waiting for their journey back home.

Also seen were sign boards pointing to additional ticketing counters.

Picoms International University College student Nur Syafah Syairah, 20, from Kedah said this was a good move by the government to clamp down on the spread by imposing restrictions.

“We also feel more secure to go back to our family, instead of staying at the college.

“Sometimes, we go out to buy food or other things so we could be exposed.”

Another student, Siti Norizah, 19 from Kedah said that it was a bit of rush and not all the students could make it back to their hometown tonight.

“Some decided to leave today, while the rest will be leaving tomorrow. – March 17, 2020.