Raya joy like old times

PETALING JAYA: Hari Raya Aidilfitri is set to be an even happier affair this year with more Covid-19 health protocols being loosened on the eve of the celebration.

The Health Ministry has revised the standard operating procedure (SOP), ending the need for physical distancing while allowing open houses and making masking outdoors optional, among others, starting Sunday.

The excitement is palpable, with some businesses saying that the Raya atmosphere has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

After two years of Covid-19 restrictions, Raya shopping is going full-swing, many are making balik kampung trips, and millions of cars are expected to ply the country’s highways during the festive season.

Raya clothes, gifts such as telekung (prayer clothes) and kain pelikat (sarong worn by men) as well as traditional cookies are among the hot items being bought for balik kampung trips, said Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin.

The Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd (Mydin) managing director said after not being able to spend Raya at their hometowns for the past two years, the excitement of shoppers was different this time.

“The atmosphere is back to the 2019 level. People are coming in excited to shop for Raya preparations and gifts for their family members and relatives back in the village,” he added.

Ameer said this year, people are also buying Raya cookies to take back to their hometowns and there was a lack of supply in the market as prices of raw ingredients such as flour and eggs have gone up.

A boutique owner in Bangi who only wanted to be known as Aqilah, 36, said that Raya shopping has been much better this year with customers flocking in from the Klang Valley, Negri Sembilan and Pahang.

“Business has been brisk and I dare say my sales have reached pre-pandemic levels. I expect to make more sales as people shop in the last minute before leaving for their villages this weekend.

“I’m selling Raya clothes at a much lower price this year though, as I know that the economic situation for most people is still not that great,” she added.

Meanwhile, PLUS Malaysia Bhd said it expects more than two million vehicles on its highway network on each peak day between April 29 and May 9.

This year will also see rest and service areas (R&Rs) along the highways full of customers taking a break during the long journey back home.

PLUS chief operating officer Datuk Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi said all R&Rs and lay-bys would be operating 24 hours a day throughout the Raya period for the comfort and convenience of highway customers.

“Two years have passed since most families across the country have been able to see each other for Raya and as we move into the endemic phase, our business partners at all R&Rs and lay-bys can conduct their business as usual.

“With hundreds of food and beverage outlets and kiosks, surau and public restrooms made available 24 hours, highway customers can be rest assured that PLUS has their best interest and comfort at heart,” he said in a statement.

The East Coast Expressway said highway customers are invited to stop by any of its R&Rs to take a break and also support local business partners at the rest stops and lay-bys by purchasing local products as gifts for their family and friends.

Customers who have completed their vaccinations can also look forward to having a wide selection of freshly prepared meals for their buka puasa (breaking fast) meal as dining in at R&Rs and lay-bys is also now allowed.

Public facilities at the R&Rs like the petrol stations, surau and washrooms are also open, it said in a statement.