PETALING JAYA: The excitement of balik kampung for Hari Raya Aidilfitri has been building up for many, as people begin early preparations for the trip and reunions with loved ones.
One of them, Rosma Nora Abdul Satar, said she has not returned to her kampung in Kelantan for quite some time.
She said she and her husband, Abdul Rahman Abdul Latif, have been saving since last year to celebrate Hari Raya in the east coast state.
Abdul Rahman, 42, who is an automotive factory worker, said the couple, who stay in Rawang, are returning to his wife’s family home as she wanted to visit her sick mother.
He said Rosma Nora earns a side income by selling instant sambal and cakes to help fund travel and Hari Raya expenses, including buying new clothes for their five children.
“My wife will be able to gather with her siblings in Kelantan on the first day of Hari Raya. We also plan to cook together.
“The important thing is we are spending time with relatives we haven’t seen for a long time, especially those who are elderly and unwell. This is the best time to see them because we don’t know what the future holds.”
Abdul Rahman said Hari Raya is also an opportunity to meet other family members living outstation.
Single mother Fatimah Abidin, 32, from Kuala Lumpur, will be flying back to her family home in Penang with her five-year-old daughter for Hari Raya to meet her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
“My family and I will prepare dishes, such as our special checkers cake, beef serunding, nasi impit and lontong,” said the diplomatic mission staff.
Fatimah said it is vital for the younger generation to learn about family values.
“For me, Hari Raya is a time for forgiveness and appreciation of all the blessings that we have.”
Journalist Zeanaaima Mohd Yusof, 41, from Klang, will be working on the first day of Hari Raya as she plans on taking a longer holiday break.
This year is her husband’s turn to go to Taiping, Perak and Kuala Sanglang, Perlis where his relatives live.
“Every year, my husband’s family holds a gathering with his extended family called CCTA (Cucu-Cucu Tok Aluih or Tok Aluih’s grandchildren).
“It’s an annual event that brings together hundreds of relatives in one place,” she said.
