BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & FASIHA KHUSHIRI
KUCHING: Muslims will be celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri soon after one month of fasting.
After two years having to endure the Covid-19 pandemic, they are finally able to return to their hometowns and share the joy with their loved ones as the country enters the endemic phase.
While some have decided to go all out with the festivities, other feel that they would still celebrate modestly, mainly because they chose to spend wisely due to the rising prices of basically everything.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to a few members of the public about how they would be celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year.
Nurjanah Baizura, 31, Document Controller Executive
“This year, my family will celebrate Hari Raya moderately even after two years of not celebrating because of Covid-19. Currently, Malaysia is in the endemic phase but we still need to comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs). Besides, we are limiting the number of people coming to our house.
“As for the government allowing us to withdrawal from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), I chose to invest the money instead of spending it. Avoid overspending. We need to consider what is more important at this time. The cost of living is going up so we should be frugal. As long my family is happy, in good health, that is more than enough.”
Fatin Hafieka, 22, Desktop Publisher
“I intend to celebrate Raya in moderation due to the increase in the prices of many items. We have to spend wisely.
“Besides, I only plan to invite closest relatives to celebrate Aidilfitri together.”
Nur Fadzillah, 31, Baker
“Often, I would go to India Street to buy Raya supplies and the prices are quite high now.
“This year, we will celebrate modestly, with immediate family members. The prices of goods have gone up – we used buy 1kg of flour for RM1.80, now it’s RM2.50.
“Despite this, I am still taking orders. Raya this time also, I only buy some new clothes and also spending wisely.”
Azlin Mohd Ridzuan, 42, Caterer and Baker
“My Hari Raya celebration during those two years is the same, no speacial preparations.
“No family or friends coming to our house, so it was quiet, especially during the MCO (movement control order) days. We celebrated among ourselves only, plus we didn’t do any shopping for Raya because we were scared of the virus.
“Now that we have been given some relaxation such as being allowed to do open house and others, I’m still going to practice the SOPs during the festive season.
“My advice to everyone out there – I hope this coming Raya, we will continue to strengthen our relationship with each other and most importantly, practice SOPs.”
