MISSING THE RAYA CARDS
Pos Malaysia branch manager recalls hiring contract workers to cope with tonnes of greeting cards
“THE excitement of getting Hari Raya Aidilfitri greeting cards delivered by the postman is a sweet nostalgia for many,” says Pos Malaysia Labis branch manager Mohd Fuad Juahir.
Fuad, 57, said such moments as eagerly waiting for the arrival of the postman were rare nowadays.
“Some people would sit on the doorsteps or in front of their house waiting for the postman. They would be so excited when he stopped by and handed them festive greeting cards from loved ones, including relatives and friends.”
Fuad said the postal services in Labis, which had existed since 1940, was an important medium of communication for the people then.
“Besides Aidilfitri, the other communities also dedicated greetings during their festive celebrations to family members via cards.
“After serving as a mailman for many decades, I have only fond memories of
delivering those festive greeting cards.
“There was an elderly woman who would see me every day asking if there were any greeting cards for her.”
Nowadays, Fuad said, the mailroom staff were not as busy during this time of the year compared with those days, as the habit of sending greeting cards had dropped significantly.
“Those days, many came to buy stamps for greeting cards. We had to hire contract workers to cope with tonnes of greeting cards.
“However, the advent of mobile phones and technological advancement has rendered greeting cards obsolete. Only nostalgia remains.”
However, Fuad said, some people still continued with the practice as it created a personal touch and bonding between the sender and recipient.
Shopkeeper Junaidah Abdul Razak, 50, said she made it a point to send Raya greeting cards via post.
“Greeting cards sent by post are something the sender will hold dear to his or her heart. Besides, the cards can be used as decorative items in the living room during Raya.
“It’s simply not the same with virtual greeting cards. You can’t feel the connection.”