“Take this opportunity to forgive each other, especially among family members, relatives and friends.”
– His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
SINCE Hari Raya Aidilfitri is just a day away, let me take this opportunity to wish all my Muslim friends and celebrants “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri”.
While listening to Lite FM, a radio station located in Kuala Lunpur, on my way to work, I learnt that major roads in Semananjung Malaysia had become congested with ‘balik kampung’ (‘returning to the village’ or ‘going home’) vehicles.
I guess the same thing is happening along the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak as many Muslims return to their hometowns for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Many non-Muslims are also making use of the weekend and two-day Hari Raya public holidays to go back to their hometowns.
Indeed, there is nothing like being home with close family members when it comes to a big celebration.
Because of this, don’t be surprised if you find almost all, if not all, buses and planes are fully booked by now.
The famous white cat statue in Padungan, Kuching, is already dressed up for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
It now wears a green baju Melayu (traditional Malay clothing for men, typically a long-sleeved shirt worn over trousers, often with a samping (‘sarong’) and a songkok (head covering)).
The cat is surrounded by colourful lights and decorations that resemble the ketupat (a diamond-shaped rice cake wrapped in woven palm leaves and boiled and often enjoyed during celebrations like Hari Raya).
During the Chinese New Year at the beginning of this year, the cat wore a colourful Chinese costume.
“By changing its costumes and decorations in conjunction with various festivals, the cat truly reflects Kuching’s spirit of unity,” commented Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, on his Facebook page recently.
“This is made possible through the efforts of Kuching South City Council (MBKS),” he added.
I’m sure many Kuchingites, Sarawakians from far and near, and tourists cannot resist posing with the cute famous cat in the green baju Melayu.
Don’t be surprised if you see the cat in many TikTok, YouTube and Facebook postings even now.
If you are driving back to your hometown for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, take care.
Bintulu Resident, Datuk Nyurak Keti, has advised road users to prioritise safety.
Returning home, he said, should be about safety, not just speed.
Speaking to the media after taking part in the Road Safety Campaign organised by the Bintulu Division Road Safety Council (MKJR) recently, he added, “We understand that many are excited to reunite with their families but rushing should never lead to tragedy.
“Drive carefully and remain vigilant. What truly matters is that we all arrive safely.”
Meanwhile, to safeguard public safety, the Road Transport Department (RTD) is deploying undercover officers as bus passengers to monitor and detect traffic violations by bus drivers during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season.
RTS director Norizan Jili said the initiative was part of Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri from March 24 to April 8.
He said deployment of undercover RTD officers had proven effective in previous years in revealing common offences such as using mobile phones while driving and speeding.
He added the undercover operation would complement routine patrols and inspections conducted in collaboration with the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
Norizan said the AADK offices would also carry out on-the-spot drug tests on bus drivers to ensure they were fit to drive.
My friends, how many open houses will you visit this Hari Raya Aidilfitri?
A close friend has promised to bring me when she visits one of our former colleagues, a Muslim, in her new apartment this festival.
It will be good to catch up with that friend and talk about the good old days and new developments in our lives.
Meanwhile, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, will be hosting their Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Astana Negeri Sarawak on the first day of Raya from 10 am to 4 pm.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, will also be hosting a two-day open house in conjunction with the festival.
The event will be held on the first day of Aidilfitri (March 31) from 10 am to 3 pm and the second day (April 1) from 10 am to 2 pm at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
To ensure the smooth running of the event, the public is advised to dress appropriately and modestly, and to follow the instructions of the ushers or security personnel on duty.
My friends, these open houses are good to attend because you get the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Head of State and our Premier, two of the state’s top leaders.
We, Sarawakians, especially Kuchingites, are indeed very lucky to have the opportunity to attend these open houses.
So what are you waiting for? Let us go visiting this Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Besides forging closer ties and strengthening unity, there will be so much good food to enjoy.
See you there!
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
