BERA: The government is sticking to its stand to allow Malaysians to “balik kampung” to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       Ismail Sabri said he had advised those he met to celebrate Aidilfitri with their families after two years of not returning to their hometowns and villages following the implementation of the movement control order to curb the spread of Covid-19.

       He also said that as Prime Minister, he will do things differently this year and not hold an open house at Seri Perdana (the Prime Minister's official residence) on the first day of Aidilfitri – which is the norm every year – to give the people the opportunity to celebrate with their families first.

       "I mentioned to those I met that their children can return home to celebrate this year. I believe many went back on the first day of Ramadan because the roads were badly congested.

       "This time, to give people the opportunity to "balik kampung" for raya, we will hold the Prime Minister’s Open House on May 8 – but do 'balik kampung' to celebrate Hari Raya with family first," he said. – Bernama