LETTER | I recently received a text from a Muslim friend, who told me that this is the second year in a row where she finds herself unable to return to her hometown to meet her mother for Hari Raya. Her text message spoke clearly of her visible longing to “balik kampung” to be with her loved ones. So, I did the only thing possible which was to offer some consolation by telling her to telephone her mother more often and to be patient.

This, as we find ourselves celebrating another major festivity this year under the new normal and in accordance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) amid the Covid-19 pandemic. I know it is difficult as a lot of us have not seen our family members in our respective hometowns for a long time. However, we need to do our part to help the authorities bring down the number of positive Covid-19 cases.

We cannot afford to be complacent. It brings me no joy to read news reports of how the health system is struggling to cope with the pandemic. Our hospitals are running out of ICU beds and more and more patients are requiring ventilators.

So, please be strong and patient. If you are unable to meet family and friends in person this Hari Raya, I believe your presence is still felt in spirit. The important thing is that you, your family members, relatives, and friends are safe and healthy.

I would also like to extend my thanks to our frontliners for their service, dedication, and commitment to Malaysia and I urge the public to empathise and sympathise with them. They are really facing an uphill task and I believe our compliance with SOPs would greatly help them keep Malaysia safe.

My message is simple: Please remain vigilant and do not let your guard down in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. I would also like to extend a Selamat Hari Raya to those who are celebrating and happy holidays to all Malaysians.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.