It’s that time of the year again when Malaysians celebrate the biggest festivity in this vibrant melting pot of cultures and traditions that is our home country. The sacred month of Ramadan is the start of many “buka puasa” gatherings and home visits that are not only enjoyed by Muslims but the entire nation. After a month of fasting, Malaysian Muslims finally open their doors to welcome family and friends to the joys of bright coloured lights, delicious cookies, and family favourites – “ketupat and kuah kacang,” which are the makings of the perfect Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Amidst all the excitement, it is important to keep your family and your house safe especially when you balik kampung. Home security is a constant challenge we all face; even more so during festive seasons. Here are a few safety tips to make sure that you get to enjoy the festive fun this Raya, while keeping your home and family safe. Before leaving your humble abode, make sure to remember the following:
- Maintain visibility
Keep the exterior of your house well-lit so intruders are less able to hide. Ideally, leave the lights on, but if you are going away for a longer period, consider investing in motion-sensor lighting to alert your neighbours should intruders cross into your backyard.
- Keep your valuables out of sight
Make sure your windows are properly locked and covered with curtains or blinds. Secondly, be mindful of what you leave lying in plain sight – such as laptops, bags or other expensive looking items. Leaving valuables in plain sight will only increase the likelihood that thieves will break into your home.
- Don’t hide your keys in “secret” places
We all have secret hiding places for spare keys – under the mat, beneath the third flower pot on the window sill or inside the crack beside the gate lamp. The problem is that thieves know these hiding spots all too well. Instead, try leaving the house keys with a trusted neighbour and avoid the risk of having your house broken into. You’ll also save yourself the trouble of changing the house locks should the spare key go missing.
- Tell a neighbour you’re going out of town
Inform a trusted neighbour of your travel plans for the festive season. If possible, exchange contact information with them, so that you are easily reached should a break-in happen. It is always better to have someone looking out for your home while you’re away.
Now that you’ve taken these steps to ensure your home is safe, you are ready to drive back to your kampung with peace of mind. However, do remember that the highways aren’t always safe either, especially during the festive season due to high volume of traffic on the road. As you get ready for that long drive back, here are a few things to keep in mind for a safer travelling experience:
- Prepare yourself before driving
Before starting your journey, be sure to get enough sleep and food, and always plan your route. As there will be many travellers on the road, both heavy traffic and longer travel times are expected. A well-rested and well-fuelled body will help you overcome immediate exhaustion and prevent you from the urge to snack on the road. This helps you focus on driving and arriving safely at your destination. When planning your route, check traffic apps on your mobile to help identify routes with less traffic and avoid any high traffic areas in order to reach your destination faster. Remember: never use your mobile or check such apps while driving. If you need to confirm your route or destination, pull off the road and park your car first.
- Avoid driving at night
It might be a good idea to drive at night to avoid traffic jams, but you’re also more likely to get tired and dozing off behind the wheel is deadly. If you have no choice but to drive at night, make sure to plan a couple of stops at rest areas along the way – you can take the opportunity to grab a snack, drink coffee, stretch your legs or even take a power nap.
- Do a quick vehicle check
As you will be on the road for a long time, make sure to do a quick car check to ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition before zooming off. Remember to check the tyres and ensure they are properly inflated. Also, don’t forget to check the different fluid levels such as the engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid. Make sure you have your car toolbox and the contact number for an emergency road assistance service with you in case you experience an unexpected breakdown along the way. With journeys like these, it is always better to be well prepared.
- Wear your seatbelt
This is a fundamental requirement for safe driving, but also one that is often forgotten or taken for granted. Before you start the engine and back out of the garage, make sure everyone in the car is safely seated and buckled up. Not only will this only take a few seconds of everyone’s time, it will also heighten safety on the road.
These simple reminders to keep you and your family safe during Hari Raya season are brought to you by AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad (795492-W). AIG Malaysia wishes everyone Selamat Hari Raya!
