KUALA LUMPUR, August 25 — Agoda has reported a sharp increase in travel searches following the government’s surprise announcement of September 15 as an additional public holiday, extending Malaysia Day into a four-day weekend.
According to Agoda, domestic accommodation searches jumped by 245% and international searches rose by 117% compared to the two weeks prior, underscoring Malaysians’ enthusiasm for spontaneous getaways.
Among international destinations, Hat Yai topped the list with a 203% surge in searches, followed by Batam Island (+221%), Singapore (+169%), Bangkok (+73%), and Bali (+60%). Domestically, Port Dickson led with a remarkable +373% increase.
While Penang (+260%), Malacca (+254%), Kuala Lumpur (+232%), and Langkawi (+175%) also saw strong demand. Fabian Teja, Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda, noted that Malaysians are quick to seize bonus holidays for short trips.
Reflecting a growing trend of maximizing every extended weekend for both local and regional escapes.
