ACROSS Kedah, Pahang and Selangor, the festive spirit soared as Malaysia prepared for the arrival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
In Alor Setar, the Pelita Raya Festival made history with a massive 13.6m-tall oil lamp, officially recognised as the largest in Malaysia.
The record-breaking display, featuring thousands of traditional lights and fire performances, became a major draw for tourists and locals.
In Kuantan, many professional photo studios were packed with families keen to cherish sweet moments on camera.
Eager to look their best in their festive finery, many opted for high-quality studio portraits to commemorate the occasion.
The professional sessions have become a modern custom, ensuring every family member has a perfect keepsake to share with visitors and on social media.
To ensure a safe journey for those heading home, Selangor authorities prioritised road safety with a high-tech campaign.
Twenty large LED screens installed in busy areas will be used to broadcast vital safety reminders to motorists during the balik kampung rush.
By reaching the maximum number of people, officials hope to ensure that every family enjoys a secure and joyous Aidilfitri.
Giant oil lamp record
The largest Pelita Raya Festival, currently lighting up Taman Jubli Emas in Alor Setar, Kedah, made history when its giant oil lamp replica earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR).
It measured 13.6m high, 20m wide and 65m in circumference.
The certificate recognising the festival’s giant oil lamp as the “Largest Functional Lampu Pelita” was handed to organiser Azhani Osman by MBR representative Megat Faris Hussein Megat Muzaffar Shah, in the presence of Kedah tourism, culture and entrepreneurship committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin.
Azhani, who is also the AA Global Enterprise assistant manager, was thrilled that the inaugural largest oil lamp festival had captivated visitors while earning recognition from the MBR.
“My original goal was to break the record for the largest oil lamp in Malaysia, which was previously held by Suria KLCC, so we decided to make it even bigger.
“I am truly grateful that we have succeeded in setting a new national record.
“With the support of the state government, I plan to submit an application to Guinness World Records (GWR) to surpass the current record held by Canada,” he told Bernama.
Megat Faris Hussein said the MBR had received an application from the organiser to create a replica of the largest oil lamp, after which several steps were undertaken before the recognition could be officially granted.
“There were a few replicas prior to this, but none were functional,” he said, adding that the Taman Jubli Emas oil lamp that was fully lit using diesel fuel was officially the largest functional oil lamp nationwide.
“The organiser is planning to apply to the GWR, and from what we have seen, this giant lamp might beat the current record in Canada.
“We are happy to assist because we also want to showcase Malaysia on the world stage,” Megat Faris Hussein added.
Mohd Salleh expressed pride in Azhani, a native of Yan in Kedah, for his achievements, saying that he helped highlight Kedah as a leading cultural tourism destination for this year’s Aidilfitri celebrations.
“This also helps boost the state’s tourism.
“I would like to invite all Malaysians returning home for Aidilfitri to come and see this giant oil lamp for themselves.
“Do not miss the chance to take photos and videos.
“It is a truly unique sight,” said Mohd Salleh.
The festival, said to be the largest of its kind in Malaysia, runs until March 29 and features replicas inspired by Malay and Kedah heritage.
The displays revived the nostalgic tradition of “Malam Tujuh Likur” (27th night of Ramadan), ahead of the arrival of Syawal.
Visitors will be see 11 replicas of landmarks and cultural items of note, made using metal oil lamps, that include the Zahir Mosque, Alor Setar Tower and a keris.
Open daily from 7.30pm to midnight, the festival also features attractions such as floral light displays, fire performances, children’s games and an oil lamp museum.
Admission tickets are priced at RM10 for adult and RM5 per child.
Demand for festive portraits
Photo studios in Kuantan, Pahang, are bustling with demand for professional Aidilfitri portraits.
This trend has surged among young families eager to commemorate their Syawal celebrations.
A check by Bernama found several studios setting up themed backdrops as early as a week before Ramadan.
They offered packages ranging from RM100 to RM240, depending on family size and additional services.
Some packages also included the services of a makeup artist, to ensure every family member looked radiant and well-presented throughout the photo session.
One of the studios is run by 27-year-old photographer Muhammad Shahrul Eizwan Mohd Sukri.
He said this year’s demand had increased significantly compared with last year.
“This was driven by social media influence and a growing preference for more aesthetic, high-quality images.
“We started receiving bookings a week before Ramadan, shortly after promoting this year’s featured backdrops online, which included two concepts – ‘old money’ and minimalism,” he said.
Muhammad Shahrul, who has been in the photography industry for nine years, said photo slots towards the end of Ramadan were almost fully booked, with sessions held during the day or evening to accommodate client demand.
The founder of Shahrul Eizwan Production Studio also provides a variety of props, such as lanterns, duit raya envelopes and banknotes to bring the scenes to life.
Muhammad Shahrul, who is also a wedding photographer, said that running Aidilfitri-themed studio sessions provided an alternative source of income during Ramadan, given the absence of wedding bookings during that month.
Housewife Puteri Nursyafiqah Najwa Mohd Rizal, 27, said she and her husband Mohd Syafiq Fauzan Jaafar, 28, opted for a professional studio because of the more controlled lighting and guidance from an experienced photographer to pose confidently in front of the camera.
“The results look neat and professional, and the photos are well-edited.
“They are good for keepsakes as well as to be used to send digital cards and Aidilfitri greetings to family and friends,” she said.
Siti Jamilah Mohamed, 30, said the unique decorations and reasonable prices were what attracted her.
“I noticed many people sharing their studio photos on social media, so I wanted to try it for myself; I enjoyed the experience.
“I think it is the perfect way to create Aidilfitri keepsake photos with my husband,” she said.
Road safety reminders
Road safety messages will be displayed on 20 LED screens owned by local authorities across Selangor, during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday period, to remind motorists of their responsibilities.
Selangor Road Safety Council deputy chairman Datuk Mohd Yazid Sairi said the safety messages, provided by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), would be broadcast periodically in locations such as Petaling Jaya, Selayang, Ampang Jaya, Kuala Selangor, Sepang and Kuala Langat.
He said the initiative, carried out in collaboration with local authorities, aimed to deliver safety reminders more widely to the public, particularly amid increased traffic movement during Aidilfitri.
“In Selangor, local authorities have LED screens used for promotional and public information purposes.
“We are taking the opportunity to display road safety messages in their respective areas of jurisdiction,” he said in a Bernama report.
Speaking during the Aidilfitri 2026 Road Safety Campaign at the Section 17 Bus Terminal in Shah Alam, Mohd Yazid said the messages supplied by JPJ would be shown throughout the festive season and broadcast periodically according to the display schedule set by the local authorities.
Selangor JPJ director Azrin Borhan said the department was also carrying out regular inspections of buses at depots and terminals to ensure vehicles are in a safe condition before departing.
He said passenger awareness of seat belt use has also improved, with bus drivers reminding passengers about this before starting their journeys.
He added that the findings were also based on monitoring by undercover JPJ officers on board buses.
Effective July 1 last year, JPJ made it compulsory for all drivers and passengers of express and tour buses to wear seat belts.
Offenders are liableo a RM300 fine for non-compliance.
