KUALA LUMPUR: After visiting friends and family within their own states on the first day of Syawal on Monday, Malaysians marking Hari Raya Aidilfitri must now content themselves with celebrating the rest of the holiday at home.
Under the ongoing nationwide Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), Hari Raya visiting was allowed only on the first day of Aidilfitri, under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs), which include a limit of 20 visitors for every home, the practice of social distancing, and the maintenance of good hygiene.
Muslims are celebrating a 'new normal' Aidilfitri by also forgoing congregational prayers at mosques and surau, holding open houses and visiting the graves of loved ones.
The tradition of balik kampung is also forbidden. It was reported that over 1,000 motorists attempted to cross state lines to return to their hometowns on Raya's eve, but were forced to turn back at hundreds of roadblocks set up nationwide.
The CMCO was implemented to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic which has so far led to 7,245 infections and 115 fatalities nationwide.