KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 -- This year's Hari Raya Haji celebrations will prioritise the local underprivileged despite tighter standard operating procedures (SOPs).

This is taking into consideration that many are overwhelmed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to local non-governmental organisation (NGO) Haluan's welfare and humanitarian vice president, Baharudin Suri, they have received more participants this year compared to last year.

"Even though the cost for participation is higher this year, Alhamdulillah, we've achieved 75 per cent of our early target.

"This shows that there's a level of concern amongst our society towards those facing difficulties during this Covid-19 pandemic," Baharudin told Malay Mail.

Haluan, which has local ...