The quiet street at Kampung Hilir, Sibu on the first day of Hari Raya yesterday. Only several cars were sighted along that stretch of the road. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (May 14): It was a ‘quiet affair’ first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri here yesterday as the people stayed indoors in compliance with the government’s standard operating procedure (SOP) to curb the spread of Covid-19.
This is the second year in a row where open house was not allowed and Aidilfitri visits are confined to close family members, although the state is this year under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
A drive around Kampung Bandong, Kampung Nangka and Kampung Hilir among others, was smooth and easy, unlike in the past when vehicles lined up on both sides of the road.
Before the pandemic, people from all walks of life could be seen making festive visits.
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Former Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) Nangka secretary Mohd Safree Mohd Kassim, 53, said he celebrated the occasion with his close family members.
“We celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri in a moderate manner and this is the second celebration where we are not visited by friends from various background.
“Indeed, we miss the festive mood. Nonetheless, we take in positively since the festival is celebrated in CMCO and only for a day for visits by close family members according to the SOP.
“This is for the good of everyone and we all must play our role to help curb the spread of Covid-19,” he pointed out.
He admitted that taking photos was rather ‘weird’ as they had to practice social distancing and wear face masks.
“But this photo will bring back lots of memories in time to come,” Mohd Safree said.
Sibu Bumiputera Graduates Association member, Muhd Khairul Ikhwan Abdul Aziz, too, celebrated the occasion in a moderate manner with his family in Sibujaya.
The 22-year-old civil engineering technology undergraduate of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia said it was fun and memorable to celebrate with his close family members.
“Of course, it is not as fun as previously, where we can visit friends or even ‘balik kampung’,” Muhd Khairul said.
He pointed out that his family only made simple preparation for this year’s celebration since the restriction is still being imposed.