SIBU, May 28 -- The usual pre-Gawai rush at the Sibu Bus Terminal appears more subdued this year, with ticketing operators reporting fewer passengers travelling by express bus compared to previous years.

BusAsia ticketing clerk Megan Nyanau, 50, said the crowd was noticeably smaller despite the festive season approaching.

"Last year, many morning trips were already half booked two to three days earlier, especially for routes between Kuching and Sibu. This year, the crowd is less," she said when met at the terminal on Wednesday.

She said the decline in over-the-counter sales could be due to the growing popularity of online ticket bookings, as well as more travellers opting to use their own vehicles.

"Passengers now buy tickets online, ...