Quiet malls a respite for migrant workers during Raya

PUTRAJAYA – With the federal administrative capital quiet over the Raya weekend, migrant workers took the chance to relax at a major shopping mall here.

Many of them were joined by family and friends to enjoy the sights as Getaran, The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal, saw at IOI City Mall.

A worker at a mamak restaurant, 33-year-old Aidil Rahmat from Chennai in India, said that this is the first time he is celebrating Raya with friends at this mall, as he went to KLCC last year.

Aidil, who has worked in Malaysia for five years, said Aidilfitri is an opportunity for recreation and spending time with his close friends. 

“On normal days we work and get tired. During these three rest days, we will use the time to visit places like Putrajaya, KLCC, Bukit Bintang, and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. 

It’s fun to walk around and enjoy the unique Muslim culture here in Malaysia, like the clothes and food,” he told Getaran. 

“Aidilfitri celebrations in this country are very interesting and the celebrations are very festive compared to in India, which Muslims celebrate as they do in Malaysia,” he added. 

Aidil, who lives in Kajang, said he and his friends would also like to visit more of the country’s tourist hotspots. 

“Public holidays are an opportunity for us to visit the popular and fun places in the country because it is not easy for migrant workers to get long breaks.”

Meanwhile, 47-year-old construction worker Jumaat Jantan from Java in Indonesia, said Raya celebrations this year are more meaningful as Covid-19 movement restrictions have been lifted.

“Aidilfitri in Malaysia is just as festive as it is in Indonesia. We all chose IOI City because we wanted to enjoy the atmosphere in what people say is the most popular mall in Malaysia. 

For the remaining days of Aidilfitri, I will visit other interesting places in Kuala Lumpur like Pasar Seni, KL Tower, and KLCC,” said Jumaat, who lives in Cheras.

Bangladeshi national Ahmad Salam Shahir and his brother were at IOI City Mall looking for discounted goods.

The duo, who came from Dengkil in Sepang where they live, were hoping to buy new shoes and clothing.

“My brother and I are also looking for cheap bags. Hari Raya is a good time to shop because it is not so crowded. 

“For the rest of this holiday, my friends and I plan to sightsee at Bukit Bintang, KL Sentral, Pasar Seni, and other places,” Salam added. – The Vibes, April 24, 2023