GEORGE TOWN: This year’s Hari Raya celebration promises to be more fun and exciting as more people get to balik kampung for a reunion with their loved ones after a two-year lull.
Housewife Rahimah Abdul Rahim, 41, said her family will be returning to her hometown in Bagan Serai, Perak, to celebrate Hari Raya.
“We have not been home for Raya for two years now and my children are excited that they can ‘balik kampung’ this time,” she said when met at Komtar.
Rahimah said the family will be suited up in the same colours on the first day of Raya.
“My son has suggested that we go for the natural colour since it’s quite trendy this year,” she said, referring to the range of colours that resemble skin tones.
“We are out shopping early to avoid the big crowd during the last-minute rush closer to Raya.
“Although I bought some clothes online, it is better to buy at the shops as we can try on the clothes and pick the material that we want,” she added.
Part-time shopkeeper Nur Syahira Salim, 18, said she plans to buy her Hari Raya clothes online due to the variety of choices.
“I follow several Instagram pages and I love the trend and designs of many of the clothes on sale there.
“As I prefer my clothes to be loose-fitting, I will go for the abaya and kaftan outfits.
“This year’s Hari Raya will be special as I am able to see my family and friends again,” she said.
Meanwhile, clothes retailer Azmady Abdul Wahab, 41, said that among the popular outfits for this year are the slim-fit attires.
“Many are eyeing a light colour tone and the same colour arrangement for every family member.
“Since the standard operating procedure is more relaxed now, I have many walk-in customers.
“Business is definitely picking up and much better compared with the past two years,” he said, adding that his online business is doing well too.
Azmady said his business should be even better nearer to Hari Raya as some of his customers are still waiting for their Employee Provident Fund (EPF) special withdrawal to be approved.
“I have taken in more stock as I believe people will buy more new clothes this time around after not properly celebrating Hari Raya for two years,” he said.
Another trader, Zeeshan Akmal, 32, said the most popular tudung this year is the silk bawal type with its floral prints and crystal embellishment.
“Our walk-in business is slowly picking up while we have also been receiving many orders via our online platform,” he said.