JOHOR, 10 April 2025

“Many of them are from other states like Sabah, Sarawak, Perak and Kedah who are also unable to go home for Raya.

“We pray together in the morning and celebrate with each other.

“If you are alone, it is lonely. But when your team is like family, it is easier,” said Kpl Muhammad Nur.

He said that some of his superiors also invited those who could not go home, to join them for a meal.

“It has become a routine. We will gather at someone’s house or be invited by a colleague who lives nearby,” he said.

Maintaining cleanliness

Similarly, Hari Raya Aidilfitri means another early morning on the streets of Pontian for Mohd Raihan Md Farid, whose job is to make sure the town stays clean.

The 27-year-old has been a street sweeper with SWM Environment Sdn Bhd for the last eight years and now leads a team of nine in Pekan Nenas.

“We start our rounds as early as 7am, even on Raya morning.

“While most are still asleep, we are already out clearing rubbish around shop lots and residential areas,” he said.

Over the years, Raihan has grown used to being on duty during the festivities.

This Raya marks his seventh time working on the first day of Syawal.

“It was difficult at first. You do feel a bit down seeing everyone else celebrating with their families while you are out working.

“But now, I see it as my responsibility,” he said.

Despite being away from full-day family gatherings, Raihan always makes time for Aidilfitri prayers.

“My family is very supportive. My wife and parents understand that this job does not stop just because it is Raya.

“We prepare earlier, from cleaning the house to cooking ketupat and rendang,” he said.

This year, he clocked in on Raya eve to clear out waste at bazaar locations and only returned home after midnight to join his family in getting the house Raya-ready.

“After prayers in the morning, I headed back out to the field.

“It may not be a full day of celebration, but we have found our own way to make it meaningful,” said Raihan.