This year’s Raya feels extra special, doesn’t it?

The 2022’s ‘Hari Raya Aidilfitri’ will definitely not be a typical celebration for any Muslim in Malaysia as it offers unique feelings, in some ways.

Malaysians who celebrate the festive season had been bogged down at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic that prompted various movement restrictions since 2020; it is now time to ‘redeem’ all of that joy as the ban has started to be lifted.

As well as other Malaysians, at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), the joy can be felt by all and sundry, when the students and staff are returning hometown for the celebration.

Above all, these are two quick takes on why this year’s Hari Raya feels extra special!

1) Most highways are ‘overflowed’ with vehicles

Photo credit : BERNAMA

People complained through social media that they were stuck in jams starting last Thursday.
Despite the cram, it somehow brings Malaysians to reminisce the good old joy, does it not?

Media reports that as the Hari Raya ”balik kampung” exodus has continued to gather pace, traffic has built up on highways and major roads.

2) Shopping sprees, especially among city folks

Photo credit : BERNAMA

Tailors, boutiques or bazaars might be reaping large windfalls this year’s festive season.

With the arrival of Aidilfitri preparations, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) is bustling again following two years of being under various movement restrictions.

In contrast to the excitement of the locals, Muhammad Fadhli Kamil Ahmad Fauzi, an alumnus of UniKL Malaysian Institute of Information Technology (UniKL MIIT), would celebrate the festival without his family members in the London City due to work obligations.

Muhammad Fadhli Kamil Ahmad Fauzi

Despite the distance, he felt no loneliness because there were still Malaysian neighbours with whom he could celebrate Hari Raya.

“Malaysians live in London in large numbers, and I personally have many Malaysian friends and neighbours.

“It was a pleasure to break our fast together during Ramadan, and we are hoping to be able to visit each other during the Hari Raya, even though it may not be as festive as the celebration in Malaysia,” told him.

It has been more relaxed than it used to be, but we should not get complacent. However, as a way to liven up the spirit of Hari Raya, UniKL tells you why “Ini Barulah Raya”!