Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has today reiterated the government’s stance to allow Malaysians to ‘balik kampung’ or return to their hometowns for the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations. In fact, Ismail said that he had advised those he met to celebrate Aidilfitri with their families after two years of not celebrating the festival in their hometowns and villages following the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
As reported by national new agency Bernama, the Ismail will also do things differently by holding the Prime Minister’s Open House at Seri Perdana on 8 May instead of the first day of Hari Raya. This is to give the people the opportunity to celebrate Aidilfitri with their families first.
The Prime Minister asserted,
“I mentioned to them (whom I met) that their children can return home to celebrate (Aidilfitri) this year. I believe many were ‘balik kampung’ on the first day of Ramadan because the roads were badly congested then.”
“This time, to give people the opportunity to ‘balik kampung” for raya, we will hold the Prime Minister’s Open House on May 8. Do ‘balik kampung’ to celebrate raya with family first, because the eve of raya has been awaited eagerly, to prepare for the celebration together,”
However, Ismail also reminded Malaysians to exercise self-control and adher by Covid-19 SOPs despite the flexibility that has been given since Malaysia entered the transition to endemic phase on 1 April. He stressed that although self-control is not mandatory, the wearing of face masks is still mandator and hoped that everyone can continue practising self-control to ensure their own safety as well as of their family members.
What do you guys think of the Prime Minister’s statement? Where will you be celebrating Aidilftiri this year? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: Marine Police Seized RM83k Worth Of Illegal Firecrackers Meant For Aidilfitri
