‘Embrace new norms this Aidilfitri and Gawai’
KUCHING: Sarawakians have no choice but to embrace the new norms when celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak this year, said the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Sarawak branch.
In a message for the two festivals, MMA Sarawak branch chairman Dr Morni Abu Samat said Sarawakians must now accept the fact there will be no open house, ngabang (house to house visiting), or balik kampung or pulai menua (return to the village or longhouse), in line with government’s standard operating procedures ( SOP) to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“All of us must comply with the SOPs and regulations with regard to the festivals. While we are allowed to celebrate on the first day, confine the celebrations within your family.
“If possible, do not accept guests. Practise the new norms such as social distancing, no shaking of hands, and no touching. What we fear is that someone gets infected with Covid-19 when shaking the hands of a positive case,” he said yesterday.
He also advised those who visit and gather with family members to practise good hygiene, wear face masks, and always wash or sanitise their hands to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“May this Hari Raya and Gawai this year be meaningful occasions for Sarawakians,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas had last week reminded Sarawakians they were not allowed to go for ngabang or house to house visiting during the coming celebrations.
He also said balik kampung was also not allowed under the SOP during the current Conditional Movement Control Order period.
All of us most comply with the SOPs and regulations with regard to the festivals. While we are allowed to celebrate on the first day, confine the celebrations within your family. If possible, do not accept guests. Practise the new norms such as social distancing, no shaking of hands, and no touching. What we fear is that someone gets infected with Covid19 when shaking the hands of a positive case. Dr Morni Abu Samat