AIDILFITRI 2026 WILL NEVER BE THE SAME FOR MALAYSIAN FAMILY IN BAHRAIN

LABUAN, March 20 (Bernama) -- Aidilfitri this year is markedly different for a Malaysian family residing in Bahrain, as ongoing tensions and repeated explosions near key locations have disrupted their usual festive plans.

Muhamad Nizam Shaidon, 43, who has lived and worked in Bahrain for nearly 11 years, said the situation has altered how his family observes Ramadan and prepares for Hari Raya.

He lives with his wife, Norhani Aida Mohd Nor, 42, and their two daughters, aged 10 and 13.

“We are constantly monitoring sirens and official updates to ensure our safety. The atmosphere of Ramadan and Hari Raya this year is very different,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

Religious authorities in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait announced the start of Aidilfitri today (Friday).

Nizam said loud explosions have been heard in several areas, including near the United States military base in Juffair and other strategic facilities.

Recent incidents include a drone strike on a desalination plant, a major fire at a fuel storage facility in Muharraq, and damage in nearby residential areas.

“The explosions are clearly audible from where we are staying, sometimes preceded by sounds resembling drones,” he said, adding that several incoming strikes were intercepted by the Bahrain Defence Force.

Despite the incidents, he said authorities have assured that essential supplies remain stable, with no disruption to food, water or electricity .

He said the overall situation remains under control, with daily activities continuing as usual.

“Shopping malls are open, people still go out for preparation of Aidilfitri, and mosques remain open with precautionary measures,” he said.

Nizam also urged Malaysians to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could cause unnecessary concern.

As a precaution, Nizam and his family have temporarily relocated to a hotel arranged by his employer, while he continues working remotely.

“The children remain indoors with online schooling, and we minimise movement,” he said.

He said that in previous years, he would return to his hometown in Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur for Aidilfitri.

However, due to the escalating tensions, the family has decided to remain in Bahrain for now.

Flight operations at Bahrain International Airport have also been affected following the closure of the country’s airspace.

“Usually we return home for Hari Raya, but this year we chose not to travel as the situation remains uncertain.

“We made no Raya preparations. Our priority now is safety and staying alert,” he said.

Nevertheless, he said they are making small efforts to keep the festive spirit alive.

“We support Malaysian friends here who make biskut raya. It reminds us of home and helps comfort the children,” he added.

Nizam expressed appreciation for the Malaysian Embassy in Bahrain for its consistent updates and guidance to Malaysians in the country.

“We stay in close contact with our families in Malaysia to reassure them that we are safe,” he said.

He acknowledged that being away from home during such uncertain times is emotionally challenging, but support from friends, including fellow Malaysians, has helped ease the situation.

Nizam expressed hopes that tensions in the Middle East would ease soon.

--BERNAMA