KUCHING: The green light granted by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) for Muslims in the state to celebrate the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri was received with great joy by many.
However, many others also felt that the one-week period allocated for the celebration is a bit too long.
They fear the possibility of a Hari Raya cluster, especially when the state is still facing an uphill battle against the pandemic.
Ideally, given the current circumstances and the upsurge in case numbers despite vaccination rollouts and the imposition of the conditional movement control order (CMCO) and enhanced movement control order (EMCO) in certain parts of the state, they are of the opinion that between two and three days for the celebration should suffice.
To date, with two new deaths reported today, a total of 190 people have fallen victims to the Covid-19 in the state.
Sarawak also recorded 419 new positive cases today, taking the state’s case tally to 33,086.
SDMC in announcing the seven-day period and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the celebration, said it was confine to close family members.
AIZA AZLIN KAHLIK (school clerk)
I don’t really agree with this decision since as we all can see the number of Covid-19 cases in Sarawak is increasing. One week is way too long and I would rather celebrate Raya in two to three days rather than face the possibility of a new cluster.
MOHD ARIF KHALIDI MUHAMMAD BAIDURI (student)
One week is way too long. We have to remember that our first priority at the moment is to flatten the curve. Nevertheless, I cannot deny I am happy that I can celebrate Raya with my families despite the strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
JOAN JOANNA SMITH (Engineering assistant)
It is unfortunate that we cannot have open houses. I miss visiting my Muslim friends and family members during Raya. I understand that this is being done for our own good but I believe seven days’ celebration is too long for a country that has not yet flattened the Covid-19 curve.
SYAZWAN DZULKARNAIN (Sarawak halal assurance manager)
In my view, the ban on Hari Raya open house will help to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases besides reducing the possibility of a new cluster. But it is sad that many people cannot celebrate Hari Raya with their long distance family since last year. What is even more unfortunate is that this year’s Hari Raya will not be as merry as before.
MUHD HARDI (private worker)
One week’s Hari Raya celebration is more than enough. I think it is a bit too long because the number of Covid-19 cases is still very high. I hope everyone will strictly stick to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for everyone’s sake.
Muhd Nazran Nasaruddin (chef)
One week is more than enough as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to rise. I am disappointed that I can’t celebrate Hari Raya in my hometown, but it is not the time to be selfish now. I hope everyone will strictly adhere to the SOPs during Hari Raya.
Evarina Evelyn Duman (student)
I miss visiting my Muslim friends and family members during Raya. But I believe this is the right decision. It’s sad that Raya won’t be as merry as it used to be. But the number one thing we must prioritise right now is our health.
