But for Nasima, it is a blessing to be far away from the suffocating scrutiny of soldiers, who kept a close watch over her community, day in day out in Myanmar due to the sectarian conflict there.

Preparing to celebrate Raya in Myanmar was close to impossible, Nasima remembers, adding, “Here though, we can celebrate without any complications.”

“Raya here is more exciting and it feels good generally. We can wear new clothes and eat delicious food,” the 15-year old said as she flashed a warm smile full of gratitude and hope for a better future.

Nasima said she barely survived the 14 days drifting at sea without food, when she made the bold but dangerous move to escape the violence and tyranny of the military forces in her country.

“In Shaa Allah, Raya here is much more meaningful.”

Nasima isn’t the only one who feels that way. Other Rohingyas living in the capital are also thankful for the freedom and peace Malaysia has to offer.

According to the president of the Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organisation Malaysia (Merhrom), Zafar Ahmad, there are at least 500 Rohingya families, almost all of whom are living in Taman Cheras Utama.

According to Zafar, the Rohingyas live a relatively happy life here, with the freedom to practice their faith in peace, without being harassed whenever they fast or prayed.

For Bulbuli Abdul Somad, 38, it will be her first time celebrating Raya in Malaysia.

Although Bulbuli has been through the traumatic experience of having to flee the only home she’s known, she has resolved to put aside her sadness and focus on building a new life here in Malaysia.

Looking forward to sampling typical Malaysian Raya fare, the frail mother of two good-humouredly said, “I hope I can gain some weight soon.”

This Raya will also be a “first” for Rashi Da Bi, 36, for a couple of reasons.

One, this will be the first time she is celebrating Raya in Malaysia, and secondly this will be her first Raya after getting married in November.

But while she is looking forward to preparing traditional Malay food for those who pop by for a visit, part of her still wishes she could celebrate Raya with her mother, siblings and cousins, all of whom are in still in Rakhine state and Pathein.

“I cry when I think about my relatives in Rakhine state.

“I will still call them, but I miss them dearly,” she said, resigning herself to the fact that she will not be spending time with her family as she used to during this festive season.

Nurul Azwa contributed to this article.