State leaders forgo grand open houses for 1,100 events celebrating grassroots communities
The inaugural Raya Sekampung Bangsa Johor initiative wrapped up in the first week of May, leaving behind a strengthened sense of community after a month of localised celebrations throughout the state.
Under the programme, the state government funded over 1,100 grassroots open houses, trading large-scale Hari Raya Aidilfitri events for smaller gatherings at neighbourhood halls, village compounds and community spaces.
Residents utilised these sessions to connect with local leaders and assemblymen in a relaxed setting over traditional festive fare such as lemang, rendang, apam balik and cendol.
By bringing the festivities to the people’s doorstep, the initiative aimed to strengthen community ties in the spirit of Bangsa Johor and provide a direct avenue for leaders to address local concerns.
For housewife Suhana Hassan, 46, the gathering at Dewan MPK Paloh in Kluang was far more than a standard festive event.
Accompanied by her husband and two children, she was impressed by the inclusive menu.
“The organisers were very thoughtful to provide both chicken and beef rendang, ensuring everyone’s dietary preference was met.
“This is a unique initiative because it feels like we are still celebrating the festive season right until Hari Raya Aidiladha,” she quipped.
Beyond the food, cultural performances and karaoke sessions lent the event a “truly Malaysian” atmosphere.
Kampung Muhibbah resident Suhana was also struck by the high turnout, saying, “I didn’t realise there were so many people in Paloh.
“We are often so busy, so this is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with our neighbours.”
The event also allowed Suhana to speak with Paloh assemblyman Lee Ting Han, whom she described as approachable and attentive.
She said Lee had previously supported her community kompang group by securing funding for 15 instruments, ending their reliance on borrowed equipment.
True Malaysian spirit
In Pontian, hotel receptionist S. Neesa, 32, saw the event as a vital family outing for her mother, who is currently grieving the loss of her own parent.
“I brought my mum, aunt and nephew to the Raya Sekampung gathering at Dewan Jubli Intan, hoping the afternoon would lift mum’s spirits,” said Neesa.
Dressed in traditional attire, the family joined the celebrations to share a meal of lemang and chicken rendang.
Neesa praised the inclusive nature of the day, remarking that the open-door policy fostered a genuine “kampung spirit” by welcoming residents from all walks of life, not just VIPs.
“I believe this format should be adopted for other festivals,” she said.
“Food is a universal language in Malaysia, and it has a unique power to bring people together.”
Neesa was particularly heartened to see her mother engaging with Pulai Sebatang assemblyman Hasrunizah Hassan, who offered words of encouragement during their conversation.
Over in Kulai, nursery manager Ong Ley Koon, 53, observed that the gathering in Indahpura proved that smaller, community-led events could still generate a vibrant festive atmosphere.
Attending Raya Sekampung at Jalan Kemboja Hall with members of Bandar Indahpura Zone A Rukun Tetangga, Ong said: “I expected a modest turnout, so I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer number of people.”
The food spread also exceeded her expectations, featuring roast lamb alongside stalls serving noodles, nasi briyani and a variety of kuih.
“The energy was incredibly lively,” she added.
Beyond the festivities, Ong highlighted Raya Sekampung as a bridge between residents and their local representatives, including councillors and village chiefs.
She believes such platforms are essential for social cohesion, allowing neighbours from diverse backgrounds to connect.
“Seeing people of all races gathering and chatting so freely is a true reflection of Malaysia,” she added.
Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) councillor Darren Tan, who organised one of the events in collaboration with Surau Al-Muttaqin in Indahpura, said the initiative showcased the long-standing Bangsa Johor identity.
“It plays an important role in strengthening neighbourhood ties at a time when many people are increasingly occupied with their daily routines,” he said.
“These celebrations are not just about festivities, as they are also important avenues for communities to connect with one another and for leaders to stay grounded with the people they serve,” said Tan.
Decentralised celebrations
Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said Raya Sekampung Bangsa Johor, which kicked off on April 9, was aimed at bringing celebrations closer to residents.
“The decentralised concept saw events held in village compounds, community halls, futsal courts, playgrounds, public housing areas and even spaces near bus and taxi stands, allowing more residents to join in without travelling far from home,” he told StarMetro.
He said the initiative was launched this year to reflect Mentri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi’s vision of keeping the government accessible while deepening the bond of trust between the state administration and the public.
Ling said the programme involved more than 660 village heads and 370 local councillors, as well as organisers from public housing schemes under Johor Housing Development Corporation (PKPJ).
“Previously we organised one or two large-scale Hari Raya events in each constituency, but this time the concept changed.
“We made it smaller, but expanded it to more locations.
“We went directly into housing areas and villages so that more people could celebrate together regardless of race or background.
“That is the spirit of Bangsa Johor,” he said.
The Yong Peng assemblyman said his constituency alone hosted 21 Raya Sekampung events.
“There were nights when I attended two separate events. The Mentri Besar himself attended six in a single day in his constituency of Machap.
“We made it a point to be present because this was a valuable opportunity to meet residents directly,” said Ling.
Each event drew at least 500 attendees, he said, with many residents appreciating the convenience of having celebrations within their own neighbourhoods.
Residents also used the opportunity to raise issues such as welfare aid applications and drainage problems.
“With local councillors and village heads present, we can immediately direct complaints to the relevant parties,” Ling said.
Bukit Pasir assemblyman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, who is also Johor public works, transport, infrastructure and communications committee chairman, said the programme allowed leaders to reach communities that were often left out of larger celebrations.
He said the initiative was more targeted compared to previous festive events, particularly in his constituency which had diverse groups ranging from villages and sub-villages to higher education communities in Pagoh’s Education Hub.
“It is difficult to gather everyone in one place, especially those in more remote areas.
“My constituency held 36 Raya Sekampung events involving 31 villages and five local council zones, and I attended every single one of them,” he added.
Mohamad Fazli observed that many organisers elevated their events by incorporating lucky draws and nasyid performances, allowing each community to lend its own creative flair to the festivities.
While many villages typically host their own open houses, he noted that residents particularly valued the presence of state and local leaders in a more informal, personal setting.
“There is a clear sense of pride when leaders and neighbouring communities visit a specific village or housing estate,” he said.
“It fosters a deeper sense of belonging and community ownership,” he added.
Mohamad Fazli said the events also created business opportunities for local food vendors.
“I feel this programme should continue and possibly be expanded to other celebrations, maybe Korban Sekampung during Hari Raya Aidiladha or even Merdeka Sekampung during the National Day celebration,” he remarked.
Tenggaroh assemblyman K. Raven Kumar believes such events are a good platform to forge unity among the people, especially in his constituency.
“Malaysia has a diversity of food and it always bring people together.
“My area of Tenggaroh is quite rural and we organised about 25 events.
“There were about 500 to 1,000 people attending each session,” said Raven, who is also Johor unity, heritage and culture committee chairman and state MIC chief.
Many of those who attended were from nearby Felda settlements.
Raven said such gatherings were a good way for people
to channel their complaints directly to assemblymen, councillors and village heads.
He said that they hoped to organise similar events during other major festivals.
“Last year we also gave out about 40,000 food baskets to Indian communities in need during Deepavali,” he added.
