Enjoy the festive period safely

IT’S beginning to look a lot like the end of the year.

Christmas decorations are up in shopping malls, there are throngs visiting to buy gifts and all the trimmings for a festive meal – and the traffic’s getting heavy on roads around all cities and big towns nationwide.

Many Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, are taking advantage of the long school break and Christmas and New Year holidays to balik kampung, go on holiday, or indulge in one our favourite pastimes, shopping.

The mood is definitely festive. Well, hopefully we won’t kill it with this reminder: Amid the merry-making, don’t forget to remain vigilant.

There are a number of things we have to look out for – the foremost being traffic accidents.

It’s the same every festive period: There’s a rise in the number of road crashes associated with all of the long holidays – Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Christmas.

So let’s take precautions, like checking the condition of our vehicles, especially the brakes and tyres, before driving long distances, and being extra cautious on the road when it rains. “Biar lambat, asalkan selamat” (Better late than sorry), as they say.

Those who will be away from their homes over the next few days should also be mindful that there’s usually an increase in break-ins when houses are left unoccupied while we travel.

The police will conduct spot checks and put on extra patrols to deter crime in our neighbourhoods during the holiday season. But we also have to do our part.We should take extra precautions by ensuring that our homes are properly locked up before we leave; if possible, have a light on a timer so the house looks occupied at night.

And of course, be prepared for floods in this monsoon-lashed period.

Check the weather at your destinations, and keep an eye on daily MetMalaysia alerts and warnings.

We must stay informed so that we can take the necessary precautions.

Importantly, in the midst of all this, don’t forget to have a good time and enjoy yourself lah.

Those of you who have to work through the festivities (join the club), let’s pace ourselves and get through this period with body, mind, and soul intact.

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate, and happy holidays!