KOTA KINABALU: While most Malaysians celebrated Hari Raya with their families, a group of dedicated hospital staff in Sandakan spent the first day of Syawal away from home – choosing duty over reunion.
To show appreciation for their sacrifice, the Orthopaedic Department at the Duchess of Kent Hospital hosted a small Hari Raya open house at the ward where they worked.
The event brought together more than 100 people – including doctors, nurses, support staff and patients’ family members – creating a sense of togetherness despite being absent from home.
“We know nothing can replace time with family, especially during Hari Raya.
“But at the very least, we want them to feel seen, appreciated and not alone,” said orthopaedic department head Dr Timothy Cheng.
“The open house is for those who can’t balik kampung. They’re still here, caring for patients and keeping things running – and this is our way of thanking them,” he said on Monday.
For Dr Puteri Aunie Sabhah, 30, this marks her second consecutive year celebrating Hari Raya in Sandakan, far from her hometown of Kota Baru, Kelantan.
“It’s never easy. Every year, Raya is about being home – hugging your parents, sharing that first meal, visiting relatives,” she said.
“What I miss most is the food – nasi dagang, nasi kerabu. It’s difficult to find those here.
“But this small celebration here with my colleagues helps a little. It reminds me that I’m not alone.”
For Dr Siti Aminah Patawari, 33, from Sepanggar, Kota Kinabalu, this year was especially emotional – it was her first time not being home for Raya.
“I told myself I could handle it. But the moment I called my mum to say I couldn’t come home ... I broke down,” she said.
“My dad was quiet. My siblings were asking, ‘Why isn’t kakak home this year?’
“It hit me then – I was really missing out. That morning salam, the family laughter ... just being there,” she shared.
Dr Syahirah Saharuddin Pakri, 26, from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, said Raya had not felt the same since the passing of her grandmother in 2020 – and missing it for two years in a row made that void even more noticeable.
“I’m usually the one helping in the kitchen – making rendang, lodeh, ketupat ... it’s our tradition.
“I’m the only girl in the family, so I’ve always helped my mum and grandma,” she said.
“This year, I tried video-calling them, but no one picked up – maybe they were busy. Last year, I edited myself into the family photo.
“It’s silly, but it helps,” she said.
Despite the heartache, all three doctors said the open house helped ease the sense of longing – even if just for a moment.
