Starchild: Selamat Hari Raya wishes from Malaysian children

Wong Zhi Ying, 8

On the first day of Hari Raya, Muslims pray at the mosque and visit the graves of loved ones. Children ask for forgiveness from their parents, and look forward to receiving duit raya from their elders. This is also a time to reinforce family ties.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government would allow Malaysians to balik kampung for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. This is after two years of Muslims being unable to balik kampung because of travel restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Many families hold open houses for friends and neighbours who turn up to join in the celebrations as they enjoy a spread of traditional delights such as rendang, ketupat, dodol and satay.

Recently, we asked Starchild readers to tell us what they like best about Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Here’s what they had to say.

Aria Ryhana Mohd Syahril, 9

Nine-year-old Aria Ryhana Mohd Syahril started fasting last year. “But if I’m tired, my mother says it’s okay to break the fast, because fasting is not required for children anyway. On the morning of Hari Raya, I will wear my new baju kurung and seek forgiveness from my parents. What I like the most is, my parents will give me duit raya too! The amount is based on how many days I completed my fast.”

Eight-year-old Wong Zhi Ying is looking forward to Hari Raya this Tuesday. She is so happy that she can visit her friend, Zali. “Zali has invited me to his house. He will wear his new Baju Melayu. He and his family will welcome us and let us eat all kinds of traditional food like ketupat, satay, and chicken rendang. I love Malaysia because I can celebrate different festivals.”

Victoria Liew Yen Yi, 10

“During Ramadan and Hari Raya, people serve all sorts of items like curry puff, lemang and serunding. I like to see people making lemang. I also like to eat satay,” says Victoria Liew Yen Yi, 10.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 7

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, seven, says: “Hari Raya is a nice time where we get to enjoy holidays and cookies. Selamat Hari Raya to my Muslim friends. Have a safe celebration!”

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 4

Younger sibling Asher Wang Qi Chuen, four, writes: “I think of fireworks and firecrackers when I think of Hari Raya. I like that there is no school and I get to stay home during this festive season.”

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 9

“During Hari Raya, many Muslim families balik kampung (go back to their hometown) to celebrate the festival with their loved ones. Ramadan is the month before Hari Raya. It is a time when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. My best friend Khyra is a Muslim, and she’s been fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, says Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, nine.

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 6

Younger sibling Claire Yap Jyn Wei, six, says: “Hari Raya is a special day for Muslims. When the sun rises, the Muslims do not eat and after the sun sets, they will eat. They do it for 30 days before they celebrate Hari Raya.“

Hayley Liew Xin Yi, 8

“What like most about Hari Raya Aidilfitri is going to bazaar Ramadhan. I like going there with my family to buy curry puff, sugar doughnuts, kuih muih and satay. I also like ketupat and rendang, writes Hayley Liew Xin Yi, eight.

Find the hidden words!

ITEM: If you love to eat burgers, we have the perfect topic for you. Hamburger Day is on May 28. Tell us all about your favourite burger. Do you like it with additional toppings like ketchup, cheese, sliced onions and gherkins? Or do you prefer it plain and simple, with only the bun and meat?

If you could create your dream burger, what would you call it? What would you put inside your burger? Share your thoughts with Starchild. Don’t forget to send in a drawing too.

E-mail your contributions to [e-mail] by May 13. Please put “STARCHILD: “Hamburgers” in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact and address.

Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.