Local residents shopping for biscuits and cakes for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at a shopping mall in Bandar Seri Begawan. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 30 (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): Brunei is set to welcome Hari Raya and celebrate it cautiously amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Parents are also buying school needs for children for the new school session next month, after nine months of hiatus following the pandemic.
Entrepreneur Dayangku Rina said she had her Hari Raya apparel tailored this year and has yet to decorate her home.
“The economy is still facing a downturn and Bruneians are spending in moderation and trying not to overspend. Also, children will go back to school in the second week of Raya, so parents have to buy school necessities.”
“The Hari Raya celebration is more meaningful for children than adults, which they look forward to,” she added. “This Raya will be a simple celebration amid the pandemic.”
Dayangku Rina said the public must follow the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, like wearing face masks when not eating or drinking, washing their hands frequently and refraining from touching their face to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We never know if a visitor is infected. It would also be ideal if disposable utensils are used to serve guests and wrap each and every cake or biscuit in plastic for hygiene purposes,” Dayangku Rina suggested.
“We put our trust in Allah the Almighty that there will not be a fourth pandemic wave and that everyone adheres to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).”
Meanwhile, telecommunication company staff member Wani said her preparations this year was reduced to a minimum.
“I bought ready-made Raya clothing for my children earlier this month to avoid the rush of shoppers in the days ahead, especially post payday,” she said.
“Other than that, we will use what we already have. Having a low-key celebration will save us money. Additionally, school will be back in session next month, so us parents are spending more to prepare for school essentials.
“Preparations for Raya and decorations at home are kept to a minimum. We are planning only to visit our immediate family members during Hari Raya in accordance to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines,” Wani added.
Private sector employee Hajah Mastura also said her Raya preparations have been relatively moderate.
“However, I still have two new sets of clothes tailored for my children. We will also have a BruHealth QR code at the entrance of our home and conduct temperature check for every guest. The number of visitors will also be limited,” she explained.
Public servant Haji Azahar said he will only celebrate the festivity “with immediate family members on the first day of Hari Raya and will not entertain visitors as I have children who have yet to be vaccinated”.
“Even those who have completed the vaccination can still infect others,” he said.
Similarly, civil servant Shamsul said he also plans to celebrate the festivity with close family members and has made modest preparations by buying only a few selection of cakes and biscuits. “I also have fewer Hari Raya clothes this year compared to the pre-pandemic period,” he said.
Businessman Haji Halim reiterated public responsibility, saying visitors must perform the antigen rapid test (ART) prior to visiting relatives’ houses and maintain personal hygiene such as by wearing face masks to ensure accountability and safety.
“We should not spend extravagantly on food preparations with the price of goods rising, especially meat. We need to be prudent in enjoying the celebration,” Haji Halim said.
With the re-opening of the country’s border for non-essential travel, many individuals who have spent the two years staying put due to COVID-19 travel restrictions are very much looking forward to returning to their hometowns for the celebration, despite skyrocketting air fares near the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period.
Domestic helper Saponah who has completed her two-year contract said she will leave before Hari Raya to celebrate with her family in time. “It’s a moment that I’ve been waiting for as I miss my family very much,” Saponah said.
Meanwhile, a housewife who wished to remain anonymous said the practice of Salam, which includes shaking and kissing an elder’s hands as a means of showing respect and asking for forgiveness, should be restricted this year.
“Those who are COVID-19 positive should stay at home while those with symptoms of the disease should not pay any Raya visits,” she said. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
