Kota Kinabalu: Muslims in the country celebrated Aidilfitri Monday in a lively atmosphere with mosques and suraus filled with congregants who brought along their family members, all decked in bright and colourful Raya clothes, to perform the Aidilfitri prayers after two years of muted celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aidilfitri, a joyous occasion for Muslims as it marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan, is celebrated almost as normal as pre-pandemic with many taking the opportunity to visit relatives and enjoy delicious Raya dishes after “balik kampung” (return to hometowns) to celebrate the special day with their loved ones.
This year’s Aidilfitri was celebrated during the transition to the endemic phase period which saw the relaxation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri (TYT) Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife Toh Puan Norlidah R M Jasni on Monday hosted a Hari Raya Aidilfitri reception for about 200 people at Istana Seri Kinabalu.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his wife Datin Seri Julia Salaq, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachin Gunsalam and several State Ministers also attended the gathering, which was held on a moderate scale compared to the ones in pre-pandemic times.
The guests were served a variety of delicacies such as satay, ketupat, lemang and rendang.
Earlier, Hajiji, when met by the media after performing his prayers at Masjid Negeri, reminded Sabahans to continue complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of Covid-19 during the Eid celebration.
He said the SOP issued at the federal level was still applicable, and any changes would be determined by the State Covid-19 Management Committee.
“Muslims are looking forward to celebrating Aidilfitri as it symbolises victory after a month of fasting. We are grateful to be able to celebrate with our families this year after two years of restrictions under the Movement Control Order (MCO).
“The reopening of borders on April 1 has benefited the rakyat (people), especially Muslims to travel back to their hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their families,” he said.
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