Malaysian's should be grateful, Covid-19 pandemic in other countries worse - Dr M

Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad told Malaysians who celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri to be grateful as the Covid-19 situation in other countries is worse than Malaysia.

"This year, we are celebrating Hari Raya in a specific situation where we could not visit family and friends freely.

"Even though we are forced to celebrate at our own homes, that is adequate given the Covid-19 spread throughout the nation," he said in a joint 12-minute Facebook video with his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, yesterday.

"We know the importance of observing the movement control order (MCO), otherwise the disease will spread to more people," he added.

"Although we are disappointed that we could not celebrate the festivities as before, God willing, we will contain the disease and celebrate Hari Raya next year as usual," he said.

"We should be grateful because the situation in other countries are far worse, as they have no restriction (order at all), they are mixing around and not adhering to rules.

"After Hari Raya, more people could be affected (in these countries)," he said without naming the countries.

He then praised Malaysians whom he said were observing the MCO.

"New cases of Covid-19 are reducing, but there are lots for us to do to achieve zero new cases," he said.

Mahathir also stressed that the spirit of Aidilfitri would never fade away despite celebrating differently.

"Contact your friends and relatives, take advantage of the existing technologies. They are far from sight but close to heart," he said.

The government has banned interstate travel. Hari Raya visits are allowed on the first day of Aidilfitri with a maximum of 20 people per house per day.  - Mkini