PETALING JAYA: For many Malaysians living far from home, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is more than just a festive celebration.
It is a long-awaited homecoming filled with hugs, laughter and the comfort of familiar flavours.
For homemaker Siti Haniza Ab Rahman, 42, who moved to Oman with her husband Mohd Fairuz Mohd Kassim, 45, in 2023, returning to Malaysia for Hari Raya is something the family eagerly looks forward to every year.
While many festive dishes can still be prepared abroad, Siti Haniza said one festive favourite remains hard to replicate in Oman.
“We are really looking forward to eating lemang. Other things, we can cook or buy in Oman but not lemang because there are no bamboo trees there,” she said.
Despite uncertainties in the region, she said family members back home are eagerly awaiting their return.
“It is still very safe in Muscat despite several attacks that have happened in Oman as they are quite far from where we live.
“We will spend time in Keramat and Kuala Kubu Baru. We are also planning to visit our colleagues and friends,” she added.
In Singapore, student Nur Syafiqah Ismail, 24, is equally excited about celebrating the festival at her mother’s hometown in Taman Perling, Johor Baru.
However, this year’s preparations will be simpler as the family is focusing more on another joyous occasion — her upcoming wedding to fiance Muhammad Syamil Samruzlan in May.
“The Hari Raya atmosphere will still be lively because more family members, including my grandmother, will be gathering here.
“It will also be a good opportunity for us to personally invite relatives to the wedding,” she said.
Meanwhile in Subang Jaya, homemaker Roslina Osman, 45, is counting down the hours until her eldest son Firdaus Mohamad Nizam, 23, returns from New Zealand tomorrow.
Firdaus, who is pursuing a degree in accounting and information systems, only returns home once a year, making the reunion more meaningful.
“His two younger siblings are the most excited because they only see him through video calls.
“They even prepared a placard to welcome him at the airport.
“Besides lemang, ketupat and rendang, I can’t wait to serve his favourite kuih semperit,” she said.
For real estate broker Shuhada Hassan, 40, the journey home to Ipoh this year was far from easy.
Shuhada, who has been living in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates since 2014, said her flight was cancelled nine times due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
She finally managed to return to Malaysia on March 12.
“I couldn’t bring back gifts because baggage was limited to only 20kg per person due to the situation.
“The last time I celebrated Hari Raya with my mother and seven siblings was in 2023,” she said, adding that she took turns by celebrating with her husband Mahmud El Melegy’s family in Egypt.
This year’s reunion will be even more special as her brother Kamarul Hasnan Hassan, will also be returning from Vancouver, Canada.
