(from left) Fattah Amin, Shila Amzah, Zizan Razak and more have their own unique plans for Hari Raya 2025. Photos: Ong Soon Hin/The Star, Handout, Muhamad Shahril Rosli/The Star
Hari Raya Aidilfitri holds a unique meaning for everyone – whether it’s indulging in festive dishes, dressing up to perfection or spending quality time with loved ones.
With the celebration just around the corner,StarLifestyle catches up with nine popular stars in Malaysia to find out their plans for this year’s Syawal.
Shila Amzah, 34, singer
Shila Amzah married social media influencer Ubai Mz in 2023. Photo: Shila Amzah/InstagramThe best Raya I’ve ever had was right after I married my husband (social media influencer Ubai Mz) in 2023.
In the past, I’d visit maybe one or two relatives. But now, since my husband’s family is so huge, I have to mentally prepare myself because I’d be meeting at least five families.
This year’s celebration is going to be exciting because my daughter, who’s 10 months old, will be joining us for the first time.
I’m also making an exception for the theme of our Raya outfits this year.
In the past, I’d choose colours that are more subtle, but I chose a shocking pink for the theme of our clothes this year, so our family can look really festive.
Zizan Razak, 40, comedian-actor
Zizan Razak hopes to host an open house this Syawal. Photo: Kamarul Ariffin/The StarFor me, Raya is like the ultimate win for the Muslim community.
I’ve hosted several open houses in my past Raya celebrations, so Insya-Allah, if I get the chance, I’d love to throw another one this year.
My most favourite Raya memory is from my childhood – running around helping carry boxed drinks, asking for duit Raya and walking into random people’s houses to celebrate.
And then, on the fifth day of Raya, my friends and I would count our duit Raya and see who collected the most. It was so much fun!
Anna Jobling, 24, model-actress
Anna Jobling says her Raya celebration used to be more grand when her grandmother was still around. Photo: Anna Jobling/InstagramRaya is a time to celebrate after a month of fasting and sacrificing.
As someone who doesn’t eat meat, I enjoy having lemang, nasi impit and the different types of kuih available then.
For my Raya plans, I’m a very simple person who usually celebrates the occasion with my family back in Melaka... nothing big or crazy.
Raya used to be more “happening” when my grandmother was still around – we had lots of fireworks, cooked together and just had such an amazing time.
Things have been a little more quiet since she left... She really made it more fun.
Fattah Amin, 34, singer-actor
Fattah Amin is looking forward to spending quality time with his daughter Fatima this Raya. Photo: Fattah Amin/InstagramI’ll be celebrating the first two days of Raya with my family and the third and fourth with my daughter Fatima.
Ideally, I’d love to spend more time with her during Raya, but my ex-wife (actress Nur Fazura) and I have agreed to take turns.
Fatima will be with her mum for the first two days of Raya this year.
As for our outfits, I’m planning to wear a blue baju Raya with my daughter.
I haven’t had much time to perfectly plan the celebration due to work, but being the ambassador for a clothing brand this year has made it a bit easier to sort out the outfits for my family.
Sherry Alhadad, 40, comedienne-actress
Raya is all about family for Sherry Alhadad, who's planning on returning to Kuching. Photo: Kamarul Ariffin/The StarBack when I was little, Raya was all about enjoying myself after a whole month of fasting.
Now that I’m an adult, it’s all about family – how do I bring happiness to my family during the festive season? How do I give back to them?
If all goes well this year, I want to bring my mum back to our hometown in Kuching, Sarawak.
I wasn’t able to do that last year, but I managed to purchase the tickets this time!
In terms of Raya food, what we have in the East is similar to what’s served in West Malaysia – the only difference is that we also have the big kek lapis, Sarawak laksa and mee belacan.
Qasrina Karim, 28, actress
Qasrina Karim will be going for a yellow outfit this Raya. Photo: Kamarul Ariffin/The StarRaya for me is all about family, dressing up to the nines and eating my favourite Raya food.
Personally, I must have my mum’s nasi impit and kuah kacang on the first day or my Raya would be incomplete.
Also, my family hasn’t been able to get a full portrait in the past two years because things have been very hectic at home.
So, this year, I made a plan to take our family portrait before Raya.
Although there were some objections, I wasn’t taking “No” for an answer – everyone must do it.
As for the theme of our Raya outfits, my mum opted for light yellow, which I disagreed with at first... but you know mums, they always get their way – she vetoed my disagreement!
Nadhir Nasar, 28, actor
Nadhir Nasar is looking forward to playing meriam buluh with his friends and family in his hometown. Photo: Handout
Raya is all about giving back.
It’s a time to celebrate with loved ones after a whole month of dedicating your soul to your creator during Ramadan.
This year, I’ll be returning to my hometown in Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
Something I usually do is play meriam buluh (bamboo cannon) – the only time I get to play it is on the first night of Hari Raya.
My top three Raya songs at the moment are Kepulangan Yang Dinanti by Aman Shah, Dendang Perantau by Tan Sri P. Ramlee and Meriah Lain Macam by Hael Husaini and Nadeera.
Mierul Aiman, 26, actor
Mierul Aiman always returns to his hometown in Pahang for each Raya celebration. Photo: Kamarul Ariffin/The Star
Raya, to me, is more than just a religious event – it’s about love, family, enjoyment and everything positive.
This year, I’ll be spending the celebration with my family and friends in Pahang as always.
It’s hard for me to meet my relatives on other days, so Raya is the best time for all of us to get together.
My most unforgettable Raya memory is a bittersweet one... I think it was from my fifth or sixth Raya.
I got into an accident while riding on a motorcycle with my grandfather. We were on our way to the mosque when we skidded and ran into another motorcycle.
That experience really left a lasting impact on me.
Hannah Delisha, 28, actress
This year's Raya is going to be a busy one for Malaysian-based Singaporean actress Hannah Delisha. Photo: Hannah Delisha/InstagramThis Raya is going to be super busy for me as I’m currently filming a 50-episode series... it’s so long!
I’m planning on celebrating Raya for six days in Singapore before heading back to Malaysia.
It’s tradition for my family to spend the occasion with my grandparents in Singapore.
I always make it a point to visit my grandmother during Raya, so I can enjoy her laksa. It’s her own recipe. I don’t think anything can beat it.
