PETALING JAYA: The beginning of April usually marks a time when silly pranks are pulled at the expense of others and victims are laughed at.

       This year, though, the month will be full of real joy. There are many reasons.

       For one, it will mark the beginning of the Hari Raya season as Ramadan, the fasting month, starts on April 3.

       The Hari Raya celebrations this year will be exuberant with Muslims looking to spend the festivities with a semblance of normalcy after two years of the pandemic and movement control orders.

       There is much buzz about other developments like the move into Covid-19 endemicity, the lifting of restrictions, including on businesses which will now be allowed to operate in accordance with their licences, and a removal of limitations to venue capacities.

       With mamak restaurants being allowed to operate round the clock, football fever is also mounting.

       Corporate trainer Mandeep Singh, 26, said this would give him the opportunity to watch upcoming football matches with his friends again.

       “There are big games coming up both in the Champions League and English Premier League title race in April. This is very welcome.

       “It will be nice to again enjoy big games at mamak restaurants while having some banter with my friends,” said the avid football fan.

       Mandeep, who was Covid-19 positive earlier this year, however added that he would opt for restaurants that provide ample distancing between tables.

       Wealth planner and freelance personal trainer Lau Wai Lok, 27, said the lifting of restrictions would allow him to get a meal easily despite his irregular working schedule.

       “Since I work two jobs, I sometimes work till late into the night.

       “With 24-hour eateries open, I would be able to find a decent meal,” he said.

       Restaurant operators also voiced their enthusiasm at the prospect of having their venues operate at 100% capacity from April 1.

       Food and beverage operations manager Felix Koh, 32, who oversees seven outlets in the Klang Valley, said the relaxation on venue capacity brought about hopes of a swifter return to normalcy.

       “Although this is good news for the industry, we will continue adhering to the existing SOP (standard operating procedure) and practise precautionary measures such as sanitising our venues and having staff conduct self-tests on a weekly basis,” he said.

       Professional emcee Heer Raj Prem Kumar, 26, said allowing venues to operate at full capacity is a positive sign for those in his line of work.

       “There is a sense of excitement as we can now resume our services with full crowds.

       “As someone driven by the crowd’s energy, this will allow me to feed off bigger audiences and produce better performances,” he said.

       With face-to-face lessons for secondary school students starting on April 4, many are also excited at the prospect of meeting up with schoolmates.

       Students Andrew Rahul and Eiman Danial, both aged 17, said they could not wait to meet their friends again after two years of remote lessons.

       “Virtual lessons just don’t feel the same when compared to physical lessons,” they said.

       Andrew added that he is also excited to be able to take part in co-curricular activities again after missing out on activities such as club installations and school events for the past two years.

       Andrew and Eiman, who are Selangor state athletes, said they are also ready to get out on the track again.

       While students are happy about meeting friends, adults are looking forward to more funds.

       Applications for the special withdrawal of RM10,000 from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will also start on April 1.

       The payouts will be made from April 20.

       Retail assistant Ali Hambali Ali Nasir, 32, said the money would greatly help him overcome existing financial difficulties.

       “I am planning to use the money to pay my debts while supplementing my daily expenses.

       “The remaining amount, however, will be kept in my savings account for emergencies,” he said.

       Corporate executive Sundeep Singh, 28, said he intends to apply for the special withdrawal and use it for various investments.

       “It will help in generating better capital for upcoming investments,” he said.