HARI Raya Aidilfitri, the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, is a time of festivity; a joyous occasion that brings together families, relatives and friends. It is a time of charity, large gatherings and sharing of meals. It is also a time of bonding.
This year, however, Hari Raya, which is this Sunday, will be a cautious celebration amid a Covid-19 pandemic with movement control order, lockdowns and travel bans enforced in most countries. Large gatherings are banned and so are visits to family homes and the annual balik kampung exodus. And, just like Ramadan, Muslims are expecting Hari Raya 2020 to be different — a subdued holiday with people observing social distancing and discouraged from leaving their homes. Although reports say that Covid-19 is showing signs of decelerating, there are still new cases being recorded, but at a slower rate. But fears of a second wave are still fanning out, especially after China reported new cases in the wider Hubei province.
Since Malaysia gazetted the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) on May 4, we have seen a relaxation of restrictions, where almost all businesses are allowed to operate subject to CMCO protocols. However, with Hari Raya approaching, it appears that Malaysians are throwing caution to the wind. Hundreds of vehicles are suddenly appearing on the highways despite roadblocks and police inspections. Interstate travel is still banned, yet there are motorists attempting to cross state borders, with some giving outlandish excuses.
On Tuesday, the number of motorists who tried to sneak across state borders to balik kampung had doubled from the previous day, and police are expecting the number to increase in the next two days. Police had ordered some 5,000 to turn back at roadblocks. The total ban on interstate travel is not taken seriously and warnings are not heeded. Health experts are now calling on the government to enforce the MCO during the Hari Raya holidays to prevent stubborn Malaysians from doing as they please and not complying with CMCO protocols. Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had advised Malaysians to impose self-regulated curfews at their homes during Hari Raya and to have a "closed-door" Hari Raya celebration.
This Leader couldn't agree more. Muslim countries worldwide have announced curfews and lockdowns during the Hari Raya period. Why not Malaysia? Saudi Arabia, for example, has ordered a nationwide curfew from May 23 to May 27. Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey have also announced curfews.
Malaysians have indeed shown maturity and self-discipline in adhering to the standard operating procedures since the start of the MCO, but there are still a handful who disregard safe practices and overlook social distancing. It is this group of people who have to be kept in check. Understandably, this year's Eid celebration will be a tough time for the faithful who are used to large gatherings, gift-giving and sharing meals with family and friends, from near and far. But Covid-19 is still raging — the number of cases have surpassed five million worldwide.
Let's celebrate this year's Hari Raya by getting in tune with our new surroundings, expressing gratitude for what we have and empathising with those not so fortunate. We have much to be thankful for.