Most parts of the city was 'flooded' with foreigners, especially foreign workers and tourists on the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, although most city folks are celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri in their respective home towns with their loved ones.
A visit by Bernama to popular tourist spots in the city, namely Jalan Chow Kit, Pasar Seni, KL Sentral, Masjid Jamek, Petaling Street and Jalan Silang, showed that most of them were in festive or rather carnival mood, ushering the celebration in their own way.
The Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations and public transport hubs were also packed with foreigners, especially foreign workers from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar and India.
An Indonesian who only wanted to be known as Yudi, 38, said he was used to celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri away from his loved ones, friends and relatives.
"My wife and children are in Gerisik, Indonesia. These days it is difficult to go back often due to the rigid documentation process. We need to go through various processes and the cost involved is high. I simply cannot afford because I am just a construction worker and don't earn much," he said.
Yudi said he had requested for three days leave from his employer to celebrate the auspicious day with friends and by visiting several interesting places in the city.
"I will also be going to Ipoh to celebrate the festival with my friends who are also from the same village in Indonesia. During my stay in Ipoh, I will be looking for a better employment opportunity since my contract with the current employer ends soon," said Yudi who has been a construction worker in Malaysia for the past 10 years.
Another foreign worker from Bangladesh who only wanted to be known as Tarek said he took the opportunity of the long holidays in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri to visit his friends in Kuala Lumpur.
"It has become a norm for me to come to Kuala Lumpur every year during the Hari Raya holidays to meet my friends. For us (friends) it is difficult to spend time together because not all of us can get leave at the same time," he said.
Many foreign workers from Muslim countries who were not able to celebrate Hari Raya with their loved ones back home were seen at the KL Sentral, wearing their own traditional outfits to usher in the celebrations.
For security guard Md Masir, 34, from Bangladesh, it was a good opportunity go shopping with friends.
"I have been working in Malaysia for five years but I do not have enough money to go and celebrate Hari Raya with my family in Bangladesh. It is sad but fortunately I have friends here," said the father of three.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Jun 26 2017
Most parts of the city was 'flooded' with foreigners, especially foreign workers and tourists on the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. -Astro AWANI/Shahir Omar
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.