A file photo showing kerosene oil lamps glowing brightly at Taman Selera Harmoni.
SIBU: As the Muslim community gears up for Hari Raya which is just days away, the festive mood and excitement are seemingly glaringly absent compared to previous years, no thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Abdul Taib Rosli
This will be the first time the festival is celebrated in a ‘new normal’ environment.
Popular local food court, Taman Selera Harmoni, for one, will not be rolling out its annual ‘bertuntung’ (lighting of oil lamps).
In previous years, the lighting of oil lamps helped brighten the festive mood.
According to chairman of Taman Selera Harmoni Sibu Muslim Traders Association, Abdul Taib Rosli, they had decided to scrap off the event this year following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are complying with the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) directives to break the chain of Covid-19 infections.
“Moreover, if this kind of event is held, we fear that it may draw crowds, more so as we are still under CMCO.”
Mohamad Safree Mohamad Kassim
Meanwhile, secretary of Saberkas Nangka unit, Mohamad Safree Mohamad Kassim, admitted the lack of festive ambience could be felt this year.
“There is no plan among villagers or non-governmental organisations (NGO) such as Saberkas, village development and security committee (JKKK) and neighbourhood watch committees (KRT) to light up kerosene oil lamps this year.
“Also, allowing only 20 family members to be together during the festivity, and no house visiting will also dampen the celebration mood this year
“But to me, all these are challenges which require patience from all quarters so that we can break the chain of Covid-19,” Safree added.
He regarded this as an experience in life that nobody has ever faced in the modern world.
Jimmy De Rozario
Councillor Jimmy De Rozario (Abdul Rahman), meanwhile, prefers a close-door Hari Raya with family members to abide by the CMCO.
“Since we are still under CMCO we need to follow the SOP. No open house like in previous years. Also, no outing except to close family members,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah has reminded Sarawakians that they were not allowed to go for ‘ngabang’ or house-to-house visiting during the coming Hari Raya and Gawai celebrations.