Muslims in Perlis continue making Aidilfitri preparations as MCO looms

A check by Bernama saw many shoppers buying wet food items such as chicken, meat and fish at the Pasar Besar Sena.

One of them, Rusni Habin, 45, said that she came to the market as early as 8 am to buy chicken and fresh coconut milk to cook briyani for the family on the first day of Aidilfitri.

"Although visiting is not allowed, to curb the spread of COVID-19, it is enough to just create a festive mood by cooking my children's favourite dish in the morning on the first day of Raya," she told Bernama when met at the market today.

The single mother, who lost her husband three years ago due to a stroke, said that she did not want her children, aged four to 25, to feel sad without any preparations for Aidilfitri.

Also sharing her sentiment was 54-year-old Che Hassan Che Noor, who said that it has become a routine for him to visit the wet market two days before Aidilfitri to purchase beef.

"For me, the restrictions are just for inter-state or inter-district travel; Raya will be celebrated in a modest way amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Most importantly, I have enough ingredients to cook on the Raya morning," said the father of two.

Yesterday, the government announced that the MCO will be implemented nationwide from May 12 to June 7, in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.