PETALING JAYA: For many Malaysians, the four-day Hari Raya break means it’s time for Cuti-cuti Malaysia.

In the case of businesswoman Cherrie Yong, her family is on a camping trip to Batang Kali.

“My husband and I own a business. Although we have a flexible vacation schedule, we decided to go somewhere near Kuala Lumpur,” she said.

Yong, 45, explained that they wanted to avoid the crowds and traffic jams, hence they opted to go for a three-day, two-night camping trip nearby.

She was glad to have the four-day Hari Raya break.

“We are grateful to have four days off. I took the chance to settle my traffic summonses as well,” she added.

Admin staff Sharon Khoo, who lives in Penang, said her family will be in Kuala Lumpur for a holiday. Their itinerary will include a walk around the city, besides a visit to Genting Highlands “to escape the heat”, she said.

Khoo, 47, said that as Penang is always crowded during the festive season, they opted to drive to Kuala Lumpur to take advantage of the toll-free highways.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that those travelling during the Hari Raya break will be exempted from paying tolls on 33 highways on four days – from April 19 to 21 and April 24.

Khoo said her daughter, who is in primary school, had looked forward to the trip to Kuala Lumpur.

“We enjoyed the scenery along the way while we were in the car,” she said.

Apart from domestic travel, others decided to visit Singapore.

Accountant Michelle Tan, 49, will be in the island republic to visit her younger sister whom she has not seen for a year.

It will be a five-day trip.

“My two daughters are excited to visit Singapore. They want to check out the theme park there.”

However, she said her husband will not be accompanying the family as he will be working since he is in the service industry and is required to work during the long weekend.