KUALA LUMPUR: For many Malaysians, the unusually long holiday stretch beginning May 27 is more than just a chance to take a break from work.
Instead, it is an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, celebrate important milestones and create lasting memories after months of hectic routines.
With Hari Raya Aidiladha, Wesak Day and the King’s birthday falling close together, many working adults in the Klang Valley only need to take two days of annual leave to enjoy almost a week-long break until June 2.
The period also overlaps with the school holidays from May 22 to June 6, as well as the festive celebrations of Kaamatan and Hari Gawai.
For private sector employee Sofea Saad, 43, the long break could not have come at a better time.
Besides returning to her hometown in Sungai Petani, Kedah, to celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha, Sofea and her husband, Abdul Muhayat Abdul Mahmud, will also mark two special occasions – their 17th wedding anniversary and Abdul Muhayat’s 43rd birthday, both falling on May 29.
“Every year, we celebrate both occasions together, but this time feels extra meaningful because it is so close to Hari Raya Aidiladha,” she said when met yesterday.
With the long holiday, the couple will also take the opportunity to travel.
“We are thinking of stopping at a few tourist spots in Penang or Perak on the way back to Kuala Lumpur after Raya,” she said.
For preschool teacher Siti Aisyah Md Fadzir, 26, the holiday season marks the beginning of an entirely new chapter in life.
While many Malaysians will spend the break travelling or resting, Siti Aisyah will be preparing to walk down the aisle on May 30, just days after Hari Raya Aidiladha.
She said the decision to hold the wedding during the long holiday period was made soon after her engagement in December last year, as it would allow more family members and friends to attend.
“I just hope the ceremony goes smoothly and both families can celebrate happily together during the festive season,” she said.
For video editor Adriana Mroon Ambrose, 39, the long holiday means only one thing – finally going home.
Since moving to Kuala Lumpur for work in 2007, Adriana has never missed celebrating Hari Gawai with her family in Kampung Batu Lintang, Sri Aman, Sarawak, despite the high travel costs during festive seasons.
This year, she spent about RM1,500 on return flight tickets alone before continuing another three-hour drive from Kuching to her village.
“Money can always be earned again. What matters most is being able to return home, and spending time with the family,” she said.