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...