BY ABIDGAIL MERTA GANGGANG
SAMARAHAN: Yesterday, many last-minute Hari Raya Aidilfitri shoppers thronged stores to buy the essentials needed for the celebration.
Some have just returned from Peninsular Malaysia or other towns while others have been busy with work and other things.
New Sarawak Tribune managed to speak to some of these shoppers.
NUR AIMI KHALIDAH HAMZIR, 26
Freelancer, Kuching
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the most exciting time of the year and usually, we prepared early. But this year, we were just too busy renovating the house. We still have a lot of things to buy like ingredients for the main dishes and delicacies. I will reuse the Baju Raya from last year so that I can spend less this year.
MOHD MUIZ JASZLEE, 34
Civil servant, Kampung Empila Hilir
I guess we never learn from last year’s havoc. We cannot find any caterers or stalls that sell lemang since everyone is getting all ready for their own open house. Now I have to buy anything that can be used for Hari Raya. Luckily, the Baju Raya for the whole family were ready two weeks ago. We have also been decorating the house on a weekly basis during the fasting month. Now, the only things I need for Hari Raya are groceries and a barbershop that is not packed with customers. No matter how rushed my preparation is, I still need to look neat in front of my guests.
Qhairun Nazmeen, 24
Student, Kota Samarahan
My siblings and I have just come back from Peninsular Malaysia where we are studying. Our parents have been exhausted, preparing everything by themselves without us. Before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we have to clean the house, wash the curtains, putting on the cushion cases and get ready the Raya cakes. This year, we have decided not go back to our hometown, Matu in Mukah decision. We are not prepared for the long journey which takes 7-8 hours.
TUN BATRISYIA KHADIJAH NASIR AFFENDI, 24
Student, Perak
I still haven’t got my shoes and accessories for this year. But I have to be careful with my expenses because I want to save money for my flight ticket back to the college after Raya. I do not want to burden my family members so I decided to shop online and post them using my address in the Peninsular. Now I have three sets of Baju Raya and I am excited to wear them. I am happy to bring back varieties of the very famous layered cake from Kampung Boyan and share them with my relatives and friends here.
