A very welcome and meaningful homecoming

A family affair: Hisham Abdul Rahim (second from right), 31, and wife Nur Fatin Farzana Rosli (right), 30, greeting family members at their house in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur.

PETALING JAYA: Balik kampung during festivals in Malaysia is a long-held tradition, but for many who have not travelled back to their hometowns in the past two years due to Covid-19 restrictions, this Hari Raya’s long drive home was especially meaningful.

Sales administrator Noor Atikah Asri, 26, who went back to Alor Setar, Kedah, was elated to be with her family once more.

The family had not celebrated the arrival of Syawal for the past two years since the passing of her father.

“This Hari Raya is really wonderful and just full of love as it’s been a while since we celebrated with relaxed restrictions,” said Noor Atikah, who spent the first day of Syawal preparing food for her siblings before going for prayers at the mosque.

For business development executive Muhammad Suhail Afandi, 29, this year’s journey to his hometown in Balik Pulau, Penang, was more exciting than usual.

Aishah (in brown tudung, seated at the back) travelled from Johor to Tawau, Sabah, to be with family and relatives. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

“I became an uncle this year so I couldn’t wait to meet the baby. I was also looking forward to seeing my mum and especially my youngest brother, who always has a special place in my heart,” he said, adding that during the movement restrictions, he had celebrated with his fiancee and her family.

Instead of lazing around at home, Muhammad Suhail intends to visit all his relatives in Penang.

“I want to be away from the hustle and bustle. It feels like a lifetime since I last saw a padi field. I’m going to eat my mum’s ikan kerisi masak lemak cili api and ayam rendang,” he said.

Marketing executive Aishah Ab Rahman, 26, who made the journey to Tawau, Sabah, from Johor, said it had been almost two years since she last met her family.

Festive feasting: Mohamad Adib Mazan (centre), 30, who works in Singapore, celebrating with his wife’s family in Muar. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

“I’ve never been this excited. It is great that we were allowed to travel to our hometown.

“During the pandemic, the safest option was to celebrate Raya with members of your own household, so we just had a simple celebration at home,” she said.

She said by the time she arrived home, the chores to spruce up her home for Raya had been done by her seven siblings.

“I just decorated here and there to make our living room more lively,” said Aishah, who was looking forward to digging into ketupat and rendang.

A software engineer who only wants to be known as Sufyan, 32, from Kuala Lumpur, travelled with his parents to their hometown in Johor.

“My brother is living overseas and he won’t be able to join us this year. So, I can’t say that I’m as excited as how I felt in the past years.

“But celebrating Aidilfitri is and will always be a meaningful occasion for my family,” he said.

Sufyan, who helped his mother with peeling onions and garlic for his favourite dish, rendang kuah kacang, said he went to the mosque before going to the cemetery.