The rhythmic beats of zapin and joget rancak tunes kicked off the “Gemersik Syawal” campaign at Queensbay Mall in Bayan Lepas, Penang, ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri next week.
The launch featured vibrant cultural performances by the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Dewan Budaya and SK Seri Permai (SKSP) Ritma Tari troupes.
The SKSP youngsters also performed a specially choreographed “Tarian Riang-Ria Raya”, blending different dance genres, while the USM students put on a Silat Cekak demonstration.
The performances took place against the mall’s kampung-inspired festive backdrop, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Queensbay Mall centre manager Sylvester Soh said the mall aimed to provide nearby schools and institutions a platform to showcase their talent.
“As a community mall, it is important for us to engage with the community around us.
“Through these collaborations, we hope to bring people closer and appreciate the cultural diversity that makes Penang so special.
“We want everyone to feel the warmth of the festive season, whether they are celebrating Hari Raya or simply enjoying the atmosphere.”
The launch was marked by the symbolic release of Wau Bulan into the mall’s atrium by Soh, CapitaLand Investment Malaysia general manager (northern and east coast malls) Peter Chan and Tourism Malaysia northern region director Abdul Hadi Che Man.
SKSP English teacher Masnita Abu Bakar, who manages the school’s dance troupe, said the group was delighted to perform at the mall.
She said the troupe, set up in January last year, had seen good participation, with 16 pupils aged between 10 and 12 taking part in the show.
“We didn’t have a dance club in the school before.
“We wanted to give the children a way to spend their time productively while learning about culture.
“Malay dances like zapin or joget are rich in history and through our performances, we hope to keep this cultural heritage alive,” said Masnita, who is from Johor.
After the launch, the group was treated to a buka puasa session at Dandy Modern Food, one of the mall’s restaurants.
Masnita added, “We haven’t had a group buka puasa session yet this year, so this is meaningful. The pupils were very happy.”
SKSP’s Ritma Tari will be performing again on March 14 at 3pm with Tarian Riang-Ria Raya and Tarian Lagu Melayu.
In conjunction with the festive season, the mall has also launched a redemption programme for shoppers.
Those who spend a minimum of RM288 can redeem Raya packets, while a spend of RM388 gets them a RM10 Body Shop cash voucher.
Those spending RM588 and above will receive free Medi Beaute face and body treatment.
From March 13, shoppers will also receive a 50ml foaming shower gel from Rituals and RM30 voucher with a minimum spend of RM288, from March 14 they will get a Pasta Port RM10 cash voucher with a spend of RM388 and from March 19 they will receive a Dandy RM10 cash voucher after spending RM388.
For details, visit Queensbay Mall’s social media channels.
