Sabah-based journalists find new meaning in Raya away from home

 By Olivia Miwil

March 21, 2026 @ 11:03am

Kuala Lumpur-born Syed Iylia Hariz Al Qadri Syedn Izman (second left) with his wife and family-in-law celebrating Raya in Sabah. Photo courtesy of Syed Iylia Hariz Al Qadri Syedn Izman

KOTA KINABALU: Celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri away from family for the first time has proven to be a meaningful experience for Kuala Lumpur native Syed Iylia Hariz Al Qadri Syedn Izman, who is marking the occasion in Sabah this year.

The 37-year-old Bernama journalist moved to the state in October last year and decided to remain for the festivities to experience the local atmosphere.

"This year I decided to celebrate Raya here because I wanted to experience the Hari Raya atmosphere in Sabah.

"My in-laws are also coming to celebrate with me here, so it gives a more special meaning even though I am far from my hometown," he said.

Syed Iylia, whose grandparents are in Kuala Lumpur and his wife is from Perak, said he misses the tradition of gathering on the first day of Raya.

"Of course, I miss seeking forgiveness in the morning and enjoying traditional dishes together. I try to recreate that by connecting online with family, preparing simple festive dishes and decorating my home," he said, describing Sabah's celebrations as relaxed and culturally diverse.

He said he tried to create the festive atmosphere by connecting online with his family, preparing simple festive dishes and decorating his home.

On the differences in celebration, he described Sabah's Raya celebrations as more relaxed and culturally diverse.

Penang-born Zacherlyn @ Noor Zafira, who has been in Sabah for 16 years, chose to stay to celebrate Raya here. Photo courtesy of Zacherlyn@Noor Zafira.

For Penang-born Zacherlyn @ Noor Zafira, a reporter with a local daily who has been in Sabah for 16 years, the high cost of festive air travel is a major hurdle to returning home.

However, her situation is also marked by loss.

"I no longer have anyone as all my family members have passed away since 2022, and that was the last year I returned home for Hari Raya," she said.

Despite this, she said what she misses most are the moments spent with the loved ones who raised her.

"What I miss are the moments with my late grandfather, grandmother and aunts; the food they prepared, the happiness at home and the laughter we shared.

"These memories remain close to my heart as strength while I continue building my own life," she said.

To maintain the festive mood, Zacherlyn keeps things simple by buying Raya cookies, cleaning her home while listening to Raya songs, decorating with ketupat replicas and watching festive shows.

She also attends open houses when invited and occasionally revisits old family photos to relive past celebrations.