IPOH: Year in and year out, thousands brave the balik kampung rush just to celebrate Hari Raya with their loved ones at home.
Unfortunately for some, work comes first, which means they will not be with their family during such a time.
One such person is Lt Muda Sharifah Noor Fadzleen Shafinaz Syed, who will be marking Syawal away from her family for the first time this year.
The 23-year-old, who hails from Kulim, Kedah, said although she was sad that she could not spend Hari Raya with her family, it was a sacrifice she had to make in the name of duty.
“I am not used to spending Hari Raya away from my family but I will try to stay positive,” said the officer attached with the Kem 2 workshop in Tambun, here.
Sharifah Noor, however, is looking forward to the third day of Hari Raya when she gets to return to her kampung.
“Nevertheless, I will still call my parents on the first day of Hari Raya to wish them a blessed Hari Raya,” she said.
Lt Muda Mohammad Zuhdi Ab Rashid from Machang, Kelantan, will also be calling his parents to wish them “Selamat Hari Raya” on the first day of Syawal.
The 23-year-old platoon leader, attached with 2 Kompeni Angkor Kor Perkhidmatan Diraja here, said he was looking forward to his mother’s lemang, dipped in gula Melaka
and nasi dagang, which was traditionally served on the first day of Hari Raya.
“I just need to keep my emotions in check as I will only be able to see them on the fourth day of the festivities,” he added.
Lt Muda Muhamad Izzat Md Isa will be spending Hari Raya this year at his former university mate’s home in Tambun.
“As I could not get leave for the entire period of Hari Raya, I will not be returning to my hometown in Alor Gajah, Malacca,” said the 23-year-old.
The platoon leader at Second Ranger Kem Syed Putra said he was looking forward to savouring lemang, ketupat and rendang at home. By Sylvia Looi