Safety first: Wearing masks and practising social distancing are now a must when visiting family and friends on Hari Raya. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
NO balik kampung, no open house – this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri is definitely far from what we’re used to. However, this does not mean that we cannot make this occasion marking the end of a month of fasting and spiritual reflection as meriah, or joyous, as possible.
As the popular Malay saying goes, “Raya tetap Raya” (the celebration must go on), and many are doing their best to keep the Aidilfitri spirit strong. What is important is that we abide by the SOPs set by the government to protect ourselves and our loved ones during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hari Raya Aidil Fitri 2020
Decked in their new baju raya, Zyafzan Mohd Zin, 40, (left) with her mother Sharifah Zat Abdulah, 73, and other family members take the obligatory Raya family picture with their relatives in Muar, Johor, via video call. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Nine-year-old twins Aisyah Zahrah (left) and Adam Luqman spell out how they feel about celebrating Hari Raya during the pandemic while sending greetings to their grandparents and relatives in Kedah. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Masks with a message: Barred from their customary neighbourhood rounds this Raya, siblings Muhamad Shazmin, 12, Muhammad Amzar, 11, Nurul Arina, 11, Nurul Aliya, six, and Hafiz Zakuan, 10, are celebrating responsibly. — SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
Despite the muted festivities, fireworks and sparklers remain a favourite on Hari Raya eve. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
(Left) To keep safe, Nuraziera Sarkawi checks the temperatures of her nephews and nieces before they enter her house on Hari Raya while her husband Herriey Naha passes them hand sanitiser. No more than 20 people are allowed to go visit at any one time on the first day of Hari Raya due to the pandemic. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
Fatimah Abdullah, 63, gives out duit raya to her grandchildren (from left) Farrel Zafran, three, Noor Adawiyah, three, Fakri Aimansyah, six, and Fathiahana Arissa, five, at their house in Rawang, Selangor. Unlike many who cannot see their grandchildren this year due to the balik kampung ban, Fatimah is lucky to live next door to her grandchildren. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
As they cannot balik kampung this year, Mohd Saddiq (left) with his sisters Nur Aliya Hazirah, Nur Amira Natsha and Izara Aishah and cousin Mohammad Himan ‘visit’ their cousins and beloved grandmother in Ipoh online. —KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star
