KUALA LUMPUR: After a two-year gap, many Malaysians are looking forward to making the annual 'balik kampung' trek to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Many were making the journey after Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed by the government as Malaysia entered the "transition to endemicity" stage.
Nur Hidayu Abdul, 26, an accounts executive, said she was excited about going back to Johor after two years of being stuck in Kuala Lumpur.
"I was stuck in Kuala Lumpur during the lockdown, but now we can return home to celebrate Raya. So, I took early leave to spend time in Johor.
"The first thing I want to do when I get back home is to indulge in my mother's homemade rendang and celebrate the occasion with my grandparents and relatives.
"I'm excited to meet everyone. We even have matching Raya outfits that we have bought in advance," she said excitedly.
Hidayu said she used a self-test kit at home before beginning her journey to ensure everyone's safety when they meet up again.
Meanwhile, Nurizyan Syasya, 24, a student who is undergoing an internship in Kuala Lumpur, said it has been a long time since she last felt "festive".
"We were stuck in different places during previous years, but now we can finally experience the festive season.
"I want to return home and help my parents tidy the house, make 'kuih raya' and meet up with some friends for Raya," she said.
Syasya added that before meeting everyone, it was better to take a bath after the long journey, on top of doing a Rapid Test Kit-Antigen (RTK-AG) to create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.
For student Mohammad Haziq Haiqal, 21, it is going to be a long and tiring journey via train as well as a flight.
Nevertheless, it is something he is ever-willing to do as he is excited over his return to Labuan.
"It can be troublesome because of the travelling process, but I will overcome anything to see my loved ones.
"Ever since I moved to Kuala Lumpur, I haven't gone back during Aidilfitri and only visit during Aidiladha, because of the airfare. So, this is my first Raya Aidilfitri in my 'kampung' since 2018.
"I am looking forward to eating together with my family because I would usually arrive at my 'kampung' around night," he said.
He has also taken safety measures by self-testing for Covid-19 and will wear masks to open houses during this celebration.