KUCHING: The vaccination centre (PPV) at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) was operating as normal, despite the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations today (July 20).
What is even more unique was that the PPV staff, including those taking the vaccines, were clad in their traditional Raya clothes, thus enlivening the atmosphere at the centre.
One of the volunteers, Alhadi Bujang, who is a staff at Unimas’ Information Technology Development and Services Centre, said he still went down to the PPV even though it was a public holiday to give encouragement and support to his colleague.
“I do not feel burdened but was in full spirit to work today, and I wore the ‘baju Melayu’ so that it would look more cheerful,” he said.
Meanwhile, Unimas Auxiliary police inspector Ismail Dan also shared his first experience of working on Aidiladha.
“It was very enjoyable because I am able to carry out security duties with other personnel despite not being able to celebrate the occasion with my family.
“There is no difference between working on a normal day or public holiday because we have important duties to carry out, plus there are also no sacrificial activities allowed this year,” he said.
As for 22-year-old Faculty of Language and Communication student Nurul Aiman Hamid of Tebedu, she said this year’s Aidiladha is different from previous years because she could not celebrate with her family.
“I could not go back and celebrate the occasion with my family, but I am happy that I can still celebrate it with my friends here,” she said.
Vaccinee Hazarudin Hamdin, 31, from Kampung Tanjung Bundong in Kota Samarahan, was seen wearing a bright mustard coloured baju Melayu.
“I am very happy to be able to receive my second dose which coincides with the special day of Aidiladha,” he said.
