Malaysian whose parents recovered from Covid-19 supports balik kampung ban

This year, Mahfuz (third from right) will be celebrating Hari Raya in the city. His parents recently recovered from Covid-19. — MOHAMAD MAHFUZ SHAHARUDIN

The road to Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year has been especially difficult for Mohamad Mahfuz Shaharudin as his parents contracted Covid-19 a few weeks back.

Fortunately, both have recovered and the family will get to celebrate Hari Raya together.

"Thankfully both my parents recovered and were discharged with the help of the frontliners at Hospital Sungai Buloh," the 30-year-old management consultant says.

Mahfuz’s father, a doctor, contracted the virus when he was treating a patient. Dr Shaharudin Mohamad then transmitted it to his wife who was in close contact.

"My dad had it worse because he got admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for more than a month," Mahfuz explains.

Also read: Covid-19: What's work like for pilots, hoteliers and travel agents in Malaysia?

Having been personally affected by the coronavirus, Mahfuz is now urging Malaysians to be more responsible while celebrating Hari Raya this year.

"If possible, try to celebrate Hari Raya in as small a group as you can. Please practise good hygiene, social distancing and do not visit anyone if you are sick or exhibit any Covid-19 symptoms, ” he says.

For many Malaysians, Hari Raya celebrations this year will be a different one as interstate movement to balik kampung is not allowed during the conditional movement control order (CMCO) which has been extended until June 9.

Mahfuz thinks this is a good move to reduce the spread of infection to other states.

"We are still in the middle of containing the virus, so it is not wise to be travelling across the state which will increase the possibility of virus infections especially to the old people which are very vulnerable to the virus," he says.

Mahfuz and his immediate family members will be celebrating Hari Raya in Kuala Lumpur this year and will not return to their hometown in Kelantan.

Also read: MCO: Malaysian expats stranded abroad want to come home

However, some are still trying to attempt the balik kampung journey.

The Star recently reported that many motorists who attempted to violate the CMCO by travelling out of state were told by the police to turn back at Gombak toll plaza in Selangor.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has since warned that stern action will be taken on those who attempt to return to their hometowns.

Mahfuz is pleading to all Malaysians to do their part in reducing the impact of the pandemic.

"We are still in CMCO period and the fight against Covid-19 is still ongoing. Together we can flatten the curve and get rid of Covid-19, ” he says.

Read the full story in StarLifestyle this Saturday (May 23).