BETONG: The warmth and joy of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is being felt even despite the hardship of fasting and although once again the celebration may be different from before the pandemic hit the world in March last year.
Currently, according to Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the government is updating and improving the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the festival. This will be announced this week.
For Muslims, they are hoping for good news which means, if possible, to be allowed to travel back home to be with their loved ones.
On the pros and cons of this issue, members of the public appear to have mixed views because on one hand they want the freedom of celebrating Aidilfitri, but on the other hand they also fear of the Covid-19 because the impact could be drastic and permanent.
Mohamad Syahrimin Sahadan
There have to be a special system if the government allows Aidilfitri prayers, grave pilgrimages, and so on. For example, limit the number of guests and/or create a registration or rotation system for those involved. Similarly, movement between zones of different status should be tightened.
Abang Suhaimi Abang Mohamad
The main SOPs that must be emphasised are those pertaining to visits by the celebrators. For me, just like last year, I may allow immediate family members in my village to visit. I also expect the government to allow Sunat Aidilfitri prayers with strict SOPs, of course.
Abdul Rasyid Jamaludin
An important thing that needs to be given proper attention is the movement of the public. In my opinion, restrictions should be mainly confined to red areas. No need to worry too much about movements within and between green zones.
Tiyah Atir
The government should be flexible about long distance travel. It means to give permission to go home to celebrate together because many couples are far away from each other due to prolonged restrictions on inter-state and inter-district travels.
