Having a family away from family helps to keep the blues at bay

Grateful for family: Being away from family is hard, but Jaclyn, her husband Nurzalie and baby, and Ashlie (right) are happy they have loved ones whom they can count on.

KOTA KINABALU: Having relatives living nearby helps to keep the blues away for Sabahans who cannot journey back to their hometowns for Hari Raya Aidilfitri due to travel restrictions.

Boutique store manager Ashlie Mohd Leslie, 32, who is based in Kuala Lumpur, said he was sad that he would not be able to return to Sabah for the celebration, which has traditionally seen a balik kampung rush for Malaysians.