KOTA KINABALU – A few hundred locals celebrated Hari Raya Aidiladha differently this year by heading to the Tg Lipat beach in Likas for a fun-filled picnic.
Instead of holding traditional open houses, they brought home-cooked food to the beach, dressed in their matching Hari Raya outfits.
Children were seen playing and running around the beach, enjoying the festivities in their Hari Raya clothes.
Salnah Anna, 26, from Inanam, noted that while it was not a common practice to picnic during Aidiladha, the beach was expected to be busy.
“Thankfully, it wasn’t too crowded this year. We don’t do it specifically to celebrate Aidiladha, but we take advantage of the holiday to spend time with family, friends and neighbours from our village.
“On this meaningful day, we remember to be grateful for our loved ones, our health and Allah’s blessings that allow us to enjoy this time together,” she said.
Salnah said the picnic was planned a month in advance with family and friends from her village, Kg Kionsom, Inanam, about 20 minutes away from the beach.
This is her second year spending Aidiladha at the beach, and she looks forward to continuing the tradition.
In Tuaran, about 35km away, locals gathered at the Haji Sidik mosque in Kg Bolong Baru at 9am to prepare for the sacrificial event, which began at 10am.
A local man who goes by the name Riduan has participated in this event annually for many years, hoping that Allah will accept his efforts as a form of sacrifice.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor attended the morning prayer at Masjid Haji Noor near his home in Tuaran at 7.45am, continuing his annual tradition before proceeding to other official events.
In Labuan, the Veterinary Services Department approved 247 livestock for the “ibadah korban” (sacrificial rituals) in conjunction with the Aidiladha celebration on the duty-free island, Bernama reported.
Its deputy director Dr Larry David said that most of the livestock were sourced from mainland Sabah, with the remainder supplied by the local company, Sittha Farm.
Of the approved livestock, there are 130 cattle and 94 goats.
He added that the necessary approvals had been issued in advance of the Aidiladha celebration, ensuring a smooth process for this significant religious event.
Permits had been issued for the slaughter of livestock outside of traditional abattoirs, including at mosques, residential areas and other suitable locations, he said. – June 17, 2024