By Mustakim Ramli
SHAH ALAM, May 12 — The Selangor Menteri Besar has called upon all Muslims, especially the people of Selangor, to celebrate Aidilfitri in the spirit of fighting Covid-19.
Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said while the previous Aidilfitri was celebrated in a new norm that was never experienced before, this year’s Hari Raya brings the feeling of ‘déjà vu.
“By embracing the spirit of ‘We take care of our Own’ (Kita Jaga Kita), we proved that Muslims were able to celebrate Aidilfitri in moderation without visiting the bazaars, returning to their hometown (balik kampung) or gathering at the homes of relatives and friends.
“During that time, we managed to enjoy the festive moment with our loved ones at our own home. We also adapted to the new norms and contacted our families in our hometown via WhatsApp or Zoom video calls.
“At the very least, we had the opportunity to be kind to our neighbours by sharing food due to the constraints from the MCO (movement control order),” he said in his Hari Raya address on Facebook tonight.
However, Amirudin said the situation this time around is different as large groups of the community have returned to the old norms by ignoring the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He said the political and economic uncertainties had prompted the state government to focus all its efforts to address the health and economic impact due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Since the MCO was declared in March last year, the Pakatan Harapan-led state government, with the support of the civil servants, have worked hard to use technologies such as the SELangkah (Step In, Safely) system, introduce innovative methods such as targeted community screenings and the Preventing Outbreak at Ignition Site (POIS), to contain the pandemic.
“At the same time, Covid-19 is also seen as one of the best forms for us to rediscover the true meaning of life; which is among the values instilled by parents from a young age.
“With the nature of humanity and the spirit of #KitaSelangor, we must win the war against Covid-19, just as we won the jihad against lust and desires during this Ramadan.
“Selamat Hari Raya. Welcome back to Fitrah. Minal Aidil Wal Faizin. Maaf zahir dan batin,’ he said.
