BUTTERWORTH: For a group of friends who grew up together, Hari Raya is a time to bring out sweet and fond memories of yesteryear.

       Mustamam Kamal Rosli said he and his pals would always meet up during the festive period but for the last two years, they could not do so because of the pandemic.

       This year, with the easing of Covid-19 curbs, they managed to resume the yearly tradition by gathering at their hometown in Seberang Jaya on the mainland.

       Yesterday, the 30-year-old was spotted with five others at a cafe in Bandar Sunway near their homes.

       “There are about 30 of us still closely connected and Hari Raya is the best time for us to gather, chit-chat and reflect on our childhood years,” he said.

       The site supervisor of a logistics company said they had known each other since their primary school days in SK Seberang Jaya.

       “Although many of us are working outstation, we try to catch up with each other when we return for Hari Raya.

       “We will visit each other to greet our parents or drop by houses of friends who could not meet us outside due to family commitments.”

       Mustamam said they would even organise activities to strengthen their friendship and brotherhood.

       “Apart from feasts and hanging out regularly, we go on motorcycle convoys. We just returned from Cameron Highlands and will be heading to Melaka soon,” he said.

       Checks at various eateries found them to be crowded with friends and families getting together, especially those who have not met for the past two years due to Covid-19 and travel restrictions.

       Office clerk Hanifah Ali, 32, who lives in Johor, said she would return to her parents’ home in Bertam in Kepala Batas on the mainland every Hari Raya but did not do so in the last two years due to difficulty in confirming travel arrangements.

       “I have four siblings and we will make it home to celebrate Hari Raya every year with relatives from near and far.

       “However, it was all quiet for the last two years as many could not make it or avoided large gatherings.

       “Fortunately, this year, all is well and we are glad to return and see each other in person again,” she said when met at a restaurant nearby.