Relishing Safe Hari Raya 2022

Two years after celebrating Syawal in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, this time around, Malaysians get to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri during the transition to endemic. After the restrictive pandemic measures, Malaysians are able to enjoy a more joyous Hari Raya with family and friends as Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) are relaxed since early April.

All faculty members; staff and students, gathered together at Centrepoint, Faculty of Medicine on May 25th, to celebrate Majlis Jamuan Hari Raya Fakulti Perubatan 2022. The event began from 11.30 am to 3.00 pm, and was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, Professor Dato’ Ir Dr Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor and also the Dean Faculty of Medicine, Professor Dr April Camilla Roslani.

Uniquely, each department was assigned its own dishes and delicacies. Our department was set for Hari Raya delicacies like ketupat palas, nasi impit, lemang, rendang ayam, kuah kacang, and sayur lodeh. All the preparations have been made since the previous day, all staff were together in the preparation of the ‘raya station’ with all the menus and decorations themed ‘Hidangan Lambaian Desa‘ which can reminisce the festive atmosphere in the village. All efforts have borne fruit when our department was named the best ‘raya station’ for its decoration, delicacies, friendliness, and hospitality.

A day after, on May 26th, our department’s Hari Raya celebration was held for all SPM staff, Research Assistants, and students. The occasion was held right after our monthly Academic Meeting, attended by our Head of Department, Professor Dr Victor Hoe, our special guest and former Dean Faculty of Medicine, Professor Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, and the Deputy Dean Research, Professor Dr Sanjay Rampal Lekhraj Rampal. Dishes and delicacies were filled with lemang, rendang ayam, nasi impit, laksa, and also a variety of pastries and desserts. There was also a birthday celebration for those who were born in the months of March, April, and May.

Let us remind ourselves in going through the hardship and overcoming the difficulties of these two years with a sense of gratitude in appreciating the moments of Hari Raya celebration with our family and friends. Some of us survived, however, there are some who were not, and some are still struggling. May we always be protected and kept away from disasters and disease outbreaks.

This write-up was written by Muhammad Haizril Arif Md Mokhtar, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.