While he understands the reasons for the restriction, the hurt and longing is apparent when FMT spoke to the 54-year-old recently.

“I …” Arif started to say, before looking at the floor, unable to finish a Hari Raya greeting to his family and friends.

He took a moment, then said, “I wish my friends … and my family … a good Raya celebration,” as his eyes welled up with tears.

The FMT team received a warm welcome at the Al-Ikhlas Elderly Care and Treatment Centre in Puchong, Selangor, with the residents entertaining their guests with songs. The residents also discussed their favourite Hari Raya dishes and snacks.

“Mazola peanut cookies!” said Miskiah Misnoh, listing all of the Raya dishes she can cook for the upcoming celebration. She has been a resident at the welfare home for 12 years with 44 other senior citizens.

Her children live in Semenyih, about 43 minutes from the welfare home. Miskiah, 74, lamented how she could not celebrate Hari Raya with her family during the first lockdown last year.

Meanwhile, another resident, Omar Nasri, 84, said the celebration at the welfare home could be quite lively, surrounded by friends of the same age.

He said their daily lives are filled with activities, such as aerobic exercises on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The soft-spoken man also sang a song for the FMT team.

The centre’s manager Mohd Arif Abdullah Azman said his staff were preparing for a memorable Aidilfitri celebration with the residents.

“Usually, we would decorate the home to create an atmosphere of joy in welcoming Aidilfitri.

“This year, we will do better. Each state has its own Raya cuisine, so we will try to cook them all,” Arif said.