Unable To Balik Kampung Foreign Workers Pine For Families

---

 
Many foreign workers, who are unable to return home, spend Hari Raya with their friends in Kuala Lumpur, including at the KLCC Park. (Bernama pic)KUALA LUMPUR: Celebrating with the family is one of the joys of Hari Raya but for many foreigners working in Malaysia, a phone call to loved ones back home will have to do for now.
Rimon Hossain, a 21-year-old from Jhenaidah, Bangladesh, has been working in Malaysia for four years and misses his family.
“It has been very hard being away from my family and I make sure to video-call them every day.
“I have to speak to them all the time so that I will feel less homesick,” Rimon said, adding that he called his parents on the first day of Hari Raya to wish them.
Rimon Hossain calls his family in Bangladesh every day.Rimon, however, is looking forward to going home in two months’ time when he gets a holiday.
“I am excited to eat my mother’s cooking again and I have asked her to prepare lots of food for my return,” he said.
Mohd Riyad from Comilla, Bangladesh, agreed that it was difficult to be away from family, especially on festive occasions.
“I am quite sad as I have not been home for four years. My family asked me to come home in a year or so but I am still not sure if I will be able to do it,” Riyad said.
Mohd Riyad from Comilla, Bangladesh, has been away from his family for four years.For Riyad, this year’s Hari Raya celebration revolved around meeting up with other Bangladeshi friends, who were also unable to return home, and cook their favourite meals.
“I am really looking forward to going home so that I can celebrate with my family again.”
Atar, who is from Lombok, Indonesia, works as a cleaner at Hospital Kuala Lumpur and has not been home for six years.
Atar is upset that he is unable to celebrate Hari Raya with his family.“I wanted to go back but because of Covid, it would have been very difficult,” he said.
Atar misses his family, especially his 75-year-old mother.
“For six years, I have not had the chance to celebrate with my family. I want to be with my mother and brother again to ask for their forgiveness.
“I will be extremely happy if I am able to return home. Hopefully next year I will go home with my wife for a holiday.” - FMT

---