THE spirit of Hari Raya Aidilfitri remains as vibrant as ever in Johor with thousands of people from all walks of life joining the state’s top leaders at open houses during the first two days of the celebration.
The tradition of hospitality continues this year, reflecting a resilient community spirit.
On the first day of Hari Raya, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi hosted an open house at his official residence, Saujana, in Johor Baru.
The festivities on the second day, at Istana Besar for the Johor royal family’s open house, was graced by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia.
Crowds at both events braved the hot, dry weather, with some arriving before the gates even opened, to ensure a spot in the celebration.
For student S. Hayshvvan, 22, the events offered an opportunity to enjoy Malay cuisine and meet new people.
“We love Malay food, and it is rare to get the opportunity to try so many different dishes at the same time.
“It is only during such open houses that we can enjoy something like this.
“The portions are just right, as we can try a variety of food without wasting any,” he said.
Hayshvvan said he and his family had been attending the Mentri Besar and Johor palace’s open houses since he was little.
“It has become a tradition for our family.
“Every Raya, we make it a point to attend, although some years we had to skip it because of other plans.
“The last time we attended the Mentri Besar’s open house was in 2023, and I am glad to be here again,” he said.
“If those I am sharing tables with are also sociable, we have very good conversations,” he said when met at the Mentri Besar’s open house.
Nurse Nur Dini Rosli, 24, who was attending the event for a second year in a row, agreed that the open house allowed guests to make new friends.
“Normally, at these kinds of events, we just sit anywhere we can so it is very likely we will share tables with strangers.
“It is only natural to talk to the person sitting next to you, and you get to know people from all sorts of backgrounds.
“If you are lucky, these small talks may bloom into a friendship,” she said, adding that she planned to return next year for the food and atmosphere.
Even though she grew up in Johor Baru, Nur Dini said she never attended the open house until last year when she saw some posts on the event online.
“I was shocked when I saw the crowd.
“There were so many people and it was such a beautiful sight, especially since many were wearing traditional attire,” said the recent graduate, who was herself in a baju kebaya.
Lee, who is from Labis in Segamat, said it was an interesting experience and she hopes to visit a festive open house every year.
“I came with my friends this time, but I plan to come back next year with my family,” she added.
Over at Istana Besar, civil servant Jamalludin Othman, 56, accompanied by his wife and two children, joined thousands of others to celebrate with the royal family.
“My parents have passed away and my siblings are far away.
“Normally we would visit my cousin in Kluang, but this time we decided to just be in Johor Baru and celebrate among ourselves.
“We visited both the open houses by the royal family and the Mentri Besar, to enjoy the festivities,” Jamalludin added.
Also at the palace were factory line operator R. Shanjeev Rao, 22, and his family.
“It was an exciting experience for us, as we had never attended this open house before.
“For me this is a better way to spend the holiday, as we soak in the festivities without having to travel far and spend a lot of money,” he said.
Student Heng Xi Ru, 18, said she decided to attend the open house at Istana Besar to embrace the Hari Raya spirit while enjoying good food.
She added that she really liked the festive atmosphere where people from different backgrounds came together to chat and dine.
Among the top leaders attending both open houses was MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who described the celebration as a reflection of Malaysia’s multiracial unity.
“Thousands of guests from various races attended, making the Aidilfitri open houses lively and vibrant.
“This is our strength as a multiracial society, where people from different backgrounds can come together and celebrate,” he said in a Facebook post.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) international students were treated to a feast sponsored by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, who is also the university’s chancellor.
UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim said the celebration involved 400 international students and was held on the first day of Raya at his official residence.
“This is not just a celebration, but a meeting of hearts from across the globe,” he said.
“When I look around, I do not only see different nationalities, but stories, journeys and dreams that have found a place at UTM,” he said.
Prof Dr Mohd Shafry said that hosting the event at the vice-chancellor’s official residence symbolised the university’s openness and commitment to making students feel welcomed.
“This gathering reflects the university’s care and commitment to ensuring students truly feel accepted and become part of the UTM family,” he added.
