Azlan Othman
This year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri came a week before pay day and some families have chosen to be prudent in their spending, only purchasing necessities for the festivities and waiting after being paid to hold an open house. For public servants, pay day is expected on April 27.
Private sector employee Jamar Japar said, “I prepared everything early, avoided last-minute shopping and only bought ‘must have’ biscuits and cakes such as tapak kuda, roll cakes, peanuts and canned drinks.”
He said Hari Raya outfits for his children were made before the start of Ramadhan as tailors tend to reject orders in the lead-up to festivities.
Self-employed Ruzaini Haji Tengah, who depends on going out to sea to catch fish and sell coconuts, said his family’s Hari Raya tends to be moderate.
“It is less joyous compared to other families. Luckily, concerned members of the public and non-governmental organisations have provided assistance,” he said at his residence in Kampong Kuala Tutong.
Another family of three Yanti, said preparations for Hari Raya had been minimal.
“Biscuits and clothes for the children are a priority, but not curtains or decorating the home,” Yanti said.
She also runs a home-based business, and with ingredients prices up, “we have to be careful how we spend”, she said.
