Be happy and grateful, says King

‘Measures to keep people safe and healthy’

Even though this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration will be different due to the unprecedented measures taken to stem Covid-19, Malaysians should nonetheless be happy and grateful, says the King.

In his televised Hari Raya Royal Address yesterday, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said Malaysians should not be upset because Hari Raya Aidilfitri is not being celebrated the same way as previous years due to movement control order (MCO).

“Be happy and grateful for being granted health and strength to celebrate the first day of Hari Raya with your beloved families.

“Malaysians have displayed high discipline and perseverance, aside from being patient throughout the MCO,” said the King, who added that there were many lessons that could be learned from the country’s battle against Covid-19.

“We learned that a virus or disease can attack humans without taking into account positions or social class.

“We should also know that the health bestowed upon us by Allah is something that is priceless.

“The Covid-19 pandemic also taught us that every human being has a close bond with one another, without taking into account race, ethnicity and creed.

“If one person doesn’t take care of his health, then it would spread to the society, and finally the country.”

In conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration today, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong also asked Malaysians to appreciate the commitment, bravery and sacrifice of frontliners who are fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’m also very appreciative of the sacrifices made by the healthcare workers, the Armed Forces, the police and officers attached with the government agencies, who are working during this festive season,” said the King.

His Majesty also advised Malaysians to continue practising the “new normal” in their daily life as the pandemic had forced drastic changes.

“Maintain personal hygiene and practise social distancing.

“Stay away from unimportant activities and use your time to build a heaven at home with your beloved family members.

“God-willing, I’m confident that with the strength and unity of Malaysians, we will be able to defeat the Covid-19 virus for good,” he said.