No Balik Kampung For Raya This Year, Says PM!

This is a bittersweet news as we all know it must have no been easy to make this decision. Hari Raya is when so many families gather together to celebrate Eid Mubarak.

“I have to apologise, but in the interest of our safety and health, balik kampung (return to hometowns) inter-state travel will not be allowed.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that many people would be sad over not being able to return home to celebrate Hari Raya. He added, when the situation has returned to normal again, people can return home to visit your parents and relatives.

The conditional movement control order (MCO), which has been extended to June 9, prohibits inter-state travel in an effort to break the Covid-19 infection chain.

Sharing his sadness over what would likely be a Hari Raya away from home for many, Muhyiddin requested television and radio stations to liven up the festive atmosphere by playing cheerful and upbeat Aidilfitiri numbers.

He also said, “Perhaps television and radio stations can play (popular P Ramlee classic) ‘Dendang Perantau’ once in a while, but if played too often, I would feel the sadness too.”

The prime minister said this ‘new atmosphere’ does not mean Muslims in the country would not be able to celebrate Aidilfitri, which is on May 24, in a cheerful and lively manner, adding that the same goes to those celebrating Pesta Keaamatan (May 30 and 31) and Hari Gawai (June 1 and 2) as well.

He said visits among neighbours and relatives within the same state will still be allowed with a maximum of 20 people in attendance at any one time.

He said,

“Ensure your homes are clean. Clean your tableware and cookware once you have used them to fete your guests,”

Muhyiddin also reminded the people of the Health Ministry’s advice to stay away from crowds and confined spaces, as well as to maintain safe distancing when in conversation with guests. He also wished Muslims a blessed Nuzul al-Quran and prayed that Muslims will be able to perform their obligatory fast without much difficulty, and also conveyed his Mother’s Day wishes to all mothers in the country.