KUCHING: The recent announcement on the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is only allowed on the first day, has received mixed reactions from members of the public who are looking forward to having a moderate celebration with their loved ones.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, on Monday (May 10), said the decision to limit the celebration to only the first day was made after assessing the current Covid-19 situation in the state.
Previously, Hari Raya was set to be celebrated for three days with strict standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke with several members of the public for their views on the matter.
Aleeya Affanddy (Project admin assistant)
I believe that the decision will help to lower the spread of Covid-19 even though it may have caused many people to be upset. I hope it will help to flatten the curve and reduce the number of cases in the state.
Safwan Saifullah (Self-employed)
I think most people are frustrated by the change in the number of days because they have spent a lot for the celebration. I understand that the government is working hard to decrease the number of Covid-19 cases in the state so we must play our roles too.
Nur Hazimah Basri (Admin clerk)
Some people anticipated there will be changes made seeing that the number of cases continues to increase on a daily basis. I support any decision made by the government because there are people out there who are still not complying with the SOPs as instructed.
Mohd Nasir Osman (Driver)
The decision definitely shocked many people. To me, the idea of celebrating for one day only with our loved ones is good. It’s the best way to prevent any Covid-19 clusters related to social gatherings.
Allisa Affandy (Admin)
Even though the last-minute decision came as a shock to all of us who are celebrating Hari Raya, I understand that it is a means to prevent an increase of Covid-19 cases. Despite some people being unhappy about it, I think it is a necessary move in order to improve the situation in our state.
Ardi Harridhi Paidi (Student)
The change is necessary and it is a good move because of the concerning number of cases in Sarawak. I think those who are not too happy with it might be the ones who did not expect any changes and have looked forward to and had spent a lot for the celebration.
Roeziana Ali (Sales assistant)
I was initially upset when I heard about this. This is the second year in a row that we are unable to celebrate Hari Raya. However, I believe that the government only wants the best for the people so we must be more understanding and follow the directives given.
Nurul Fatimah Zaharah (Student)
It is understandable that everyone was looking forward to celebrating Hari Raya, but we must not forget the situation that we are in at the moment. It is a good move because the celebration involves people mingling with each other. Thus, a limit must be made before the number of cases gets even worse.
