Folk heading home for the festive celebration.
SIBU: It will be a 1Malaysia Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration of sorts at Mohamad Safree Mohamad’s residence this year.
He told The Borneo Post yesterday that he would be inviting his friends from diverse racial backgrounds to join in the festivity.
“We will gather and enjoy local delicacies together.
“This will indeed be a 1Malaysia gathering at my place and will certainly go a long way towards strengthening the bonds among all races,” said Mohamad Safree, who is also Saberkas Nangka branch secretary.
He added that this year, Saberkas Nangka branch would be holding an open house at his parents’ place.
Councillor Ibrahim Laili felt the festive mood was no different from previous years.
“What is important is to be content with what we have and celebrate it in a joyful environment,” he said.
The ‘balik kampung’ crowd is picking up steam at Kapit Wharf in Khoo Peng Loong Road with Hari Raya Aidilfitri just round the corner.
At Kapit Wharf in Khoo Peng Loong Road here yesterday, Ibrahim Basri, 61, was excited about returning to Kampung Baru in Daro for the celebration.
“I will return home for the celebration on July 16 as I have work commitments here,” he said when met at the wharf.
Abdul Zaib Narudin 40, never missed going home for the celebration despite working in Kuala Lumpur.
He said sometimes he would travel by land, but this year, he opted to use an express boat.
Staying at Kampung Masjid Baru, Daro, he said he would be celebrating Hari Raya on a moderate scale.
“The higher cost of living has compelled me to be more prudent in my spending and to save for the future,” said Abdul Zaib, who has been working in Kuala Lumpur for the last 10 years.
Ismail Salleh, 47, was all smiles as he waited anxiously for his Daro-bound express boat with thoughts of celebrating the festival with family and friends back home.
“This is the time for us to catch up with family members and friends,” he enthused.
At the wharf yesterday, Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) enforcement officers were spotted mounting checks to safeguard the safety of passengers and ensuring operators abide by the rules.
Meanwhile, Sibu Taxi Owners’ Association chairman Robert Angkah said business was still slow, but he expected it to pick up in a day or two.
“Fewer people are using public transport due to the good road network connecting places like Daro and Dalat,” Angkah said, adding that most people now have their own cars.
Major roads leading to the town were congested yesterday as shoppers thronged shopping malls to prepare for the festive celebration.