Foreign workers gather in city centre for Raya
Published: Sep 10, 2010 10:44 AM | Updated: Sep 10, 2010 10:48 AM
With the likes of foreign workers from a diverse range of nationalities congregating in some part of the city today, it was a full-fledged United Nations get-together, albeit on a more minuscule scale.
With the likes of foreign workers from a diverse range of nationalities congregating in some part of the city today, it was a full-fledged United Nations get-together, albeit on a more minuscule scale.
The first day of Syawal saw not just local Muslims in celebratory mood, but also Muslims from distant countries partaking in the joyous occasion, as Malaysia has become their current home.
Nepalese, Bangladeshis, Vietnamese, Burmese, Indonesians. These were among the many nationalities converging around areas like the Central Market, Kota Raya, Masjid India and the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, taking advantage of the festive season.
"It is very easy for us to meet up here as we can take the bus or any public transport to reach Kotaraya," said Mohd Firdaus, a Burmese Muslim.
The electrician who works for a bus factory in Kajang, said he had been in the country for almost eight years. Singing praises of Malaysia, he said the country offered him lots of work opportunities.
"It is difficult for us to find work in our country even if we study and graduate. Money is much more better here and I can send the extra earnings back to Burma for my family," he noted.
With monthly earnings of RM1,500, Mohd nevertheless, laments the cost incurred to renew his visa permit annually, which could cost him more than RM2,150 at any one time.
As for Mohamad Gurney, he has a different story to tell.
The 28-year-old illegal immigrant from Indonesia is content to eke out a decent living here and send money to his wife and family.
As life here has been good for the garbage collector, the Indonesian has no intention of returning to his country.
"The only way I can go back is by deportation... I don't want that as I can earn money here and survive. It is much better for me to stay here and send the money I earn (here) to my wife (back home)," he said.
No Raya break for some
With the Raya festivities in full swing today, many would expect the city centre to be at a standstill. However, it is business as usual for Hairulnizam Ishak, a local salesman at a shoe shop there.
Plying his trade for almost seven years, he said his shop catered to many foreign workers, with a ratio of four foreigners to one local, who walked through his door.
"I can't afford to miss their business that comes, especially on a public holiday like today," said the 32-year-old, adding that foreign workers converged at his outlet every public holiday and weekends.
"They give me a lot of business. Of course, I miss my family a lot, but work is still my priority.
"The first act of asking for forgiveness from my parents on the first day is the most important to me, I do feel sad for not getting back," he said.
He added that the shop would be closed for business after the Raya celebrations to enable him to return to his hometown in Pahang next week.
- Bernama
The first day of Syawal saw not just local Muslims in celebratory mood, but also Muslims from distant countries partaking in the joyous occasion, as Malaysia has become their current home.
Nepalese, Bangladeshis, Vietnamese, Burmese, Indonesians. These were among the many nationalities converging around areas like the Central Market, Kota Raya, Masjid India and the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, taking advantage of the festive season.
"It is very easy for us to meet up here as we can take the bus or any public transport to reach Kotaraya," said Mohd Firdaus, a Burmese Muslim.
The electrician who works for a bus factory in Kajang, said he had been in the country for almost eight years. Singing praises of Malaysia, he said the country offered him lots of work opportunities."It is difficult for us to find work in our country even if we study and graduate. Money is much more better here and I can send the extra earnings back to Burma for my family," he noted.
With monthly earnings of RM1,500, Mohd nevertheless, laments the cost incurred to renew his visa permit annually, which could cost him more than RM2,150 at any one time.As for Mohamad Gurney, he has a different story to tell.
The 28-year-old illegal immigrant from Indonesia is content to eke out a decent living here and send money to his wife and family.
As life here has been good for the garbage collector, the Indonesian has no intention of returning to his country.
"The only way I can go back is by deportation... I don't want that as I can earn money here and survive. It is much better for me to stay here and send the money I earn (here) to my wife (back home)," he said.
No Raya break for some
With the Raya festivities in full swing today, many would expect the city centre to be at a standstill. However, it is business as usual for Hairulnizam Ishak, a local salesman at a shoe shop there.
Plying his trade for almost seven years, he said his shop catered to many foreign workers, with a ratio of four foreigners to one local, who walked through his door.
"I can't afford to miss their business that comes, especially on a public holiday like today," said the 32-year-old, adding that foreign workers converged at his outlet every public holiday and weekends.
"They give me a lot of business. Of course, I miss my family a lot, but work is still my priority.
"The first act of asking for forgiveness from my parents on the first day is the most important to me, I do feel sad for not getting back," he said.
He added that the shop would be closed for business after the Raya celebrations to enable him to return to his hometown in Pahang next week.
- Bernama
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