Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is of the opinion that although Muslims are celebrating this year's hari raya without the freedom to visit family members and friends, it was enough to usher them at home, given the current situation of COVID-19 outbreak.

"We are aware that this movement control (order - MCO) is an important order for us to follow, otherwise the disease would spread to more people in this country.

"Although we are disappointed that raya at this time is unlike before, but God willing we can reduce (the spread of) the disease until it stops. Maybe next year we can celebrate it as normal," he said, adding that the people should be grateful that the situation in other countries was much worse.

He added: "In Malaysia, we are orderly, and we are adhering to the rules. God willing this disease will decrease."

The 12-minute video uploaded on his official Facebook page also featured stories and cultural stories and festive atmosphere during old times, with his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.

“We have an event that we do on hari raya. I was the first (to exchange handshake), the second Tun Siti, after that my oldest son shook hands with me, then Tun Siti.

"After that he sat next to Tun Siti, then the rest would exchange handshakes," Tun Mahathir said when asked about the routine conducted on Syawal morning.

There were also many interesting stories told by the couple in the video, especially about their personal stories during the Syawal celebration.

Tun Mahathir also shared the story of his family's ‘duit raya’ (gift of token cash) and the usual meal he ate early in the morning when asked if he had also given ‘duit raya’ to Tun Siti Hasmah.

"No, no... I’ve given her money every month. Usually in the morning we eat ketupat. Ketupat pulut, ketupat nasi with beef floss, with curry or peanut sauce," he said.

Recalling his memories of celebrating raya during his childhood days, Tun Mahathir explained that many of his past experiences were now gone.

In fact, he said the excitement of the past was different when it came to celebrating raya, especially in the evening on the eve of raya.

“What was fun, when we are approaching raya we would make our own lanterns in the the shape of a star. We did not use lamps but a candle in the lantern.

"Usually in the evenings we close all the windows and doors (on normal days). We do not leave the house. But on the eve of raya, we can go out at night," he shared.