KUALA LUMPUR: Dataran Merdeka is more than a historical landmark – it’s a place where personal and national histories intertwine.
While it remains a symbol of Malaysia’s independence, for many families, it’s also a cherished backdrop for love, memories and traditions passed down through the generations.
On the first day of Hari Raya, three families gathered at this iconic square, each with their own story of connection, celebration and hope for the future.
For Muhamad Hasmirul Mohd Nor, 31, and his wife, Salsabill Binchema, 29, Hari Raya has always been about capturing moments together.
“Every year, we make it a tradition to visit Dataran Merdeka on the first day of Raya.
“It’s our special place, where we come to take photos and enjoy the beauty of these old buildings,” he said.
Their love story began in 2017 when Hasmirul, a Kuala Lumpur native, met Salsabill, who hails from Thailand.
The two first crossed paths during a university exchange programme, where Hasmirul’s group from UiTM Shah Alam visited Thailand.
“Back then, we were just students, meeting for the first time,” Salsabill recalled with a smile.
“Who would have thought that years later, we’d be celebrating Raya together as husband and wife?”
After their marriage in 2022, Salsabill moved to Malaysia, where she has been working as a supply chain executive.
She started to learn Malay even before she arrived.
“This year, we celebrate Raya as a couple,” Hasmirul said. “But next year, we hope to be celebrating as three.”
The couple dreams of welcoming their first child.
“It will be a beautiful moment to bring our child to this place that means so much to us,” he added.
For Sharom Md Saad, 44, and his wife Rafzan Razak, 43, Hari Raya is more than just a celebration; it is a reminder of the journey they have built together.
More than two decades ago, the couple met as police trainees in Negri Sembilan.
Now, standing at Dataran Merdeka with their four children – Acyrel Fahmi, Nur Alia Qasrina, Ammar Faris and Nur Adlina Qaireen – they found themselves revisiting the place that once marked the early days of their love.
“This is where it all started for us,” Rafzan said.
“Back then, we were young and in love, strolling through these very streets, making plans for the future. Now, we’re here with our children, reliving those moments while creating new ones. It’s a full-circle moment.”
This year, instead of heading straight to their hometown in Jerantut, Pahang, the family decided to celebrate Raya in Kuala Lumpur. They were dressed in matching white outfits.
“Every year, we choose a theme for our family outfits.
“This year, we picked white because it symbolises purity and new beginnings. Last year, we went with black, so we wanted a change,” Rafzan explained.
For Sharom, the beauty of Dataran Merdeka goes beyond its colonial architecture.
“It’s not just the scenery, it’s the nostalgia,” he said, gazing at the historic Sultan Abdul Samad building.
“I used to work nearby at Bukit Aman, and back in the 1990s, this was a hotspot for young couples like us.”
Now, they are standing in the same spot with their children.
“I told my kids in the car earlier – this is where papa and mama used to meet,” Rafzan chuckled.
For Aznam Mohamad, 55, and his wife, Suzuraini Sulaiman, 53, Hari Raya has always been about family.
This year, rather than heading straight to their hometown, the couple, both educators, decided to celebrate the first day of Raya in Kuala Lumpur before making their way back to Melaka.
“We have been living in Kuala Lumpur for 35 years now, so celebrating here first has become part of our routine,” Aznam said.
“We gather as a family, enjoy our Raya morning and then visit our hometown afterwards.”
Their children – Arif Ikmal Aznam, 28 (with his wife Norshyafika Tuan Kamarilzaman, 27) Amzar Haziq Aznam, 25, Ammar Danish Aznam, 24, and Amid Nakman Aznam, 18 – all joined in the celebration.
After spending the morning at home, the family set out for a special outing at Dataran Merdeka.
For Aznam and Suzuraini, this place holds memories of their younger days.
“We used to come here back in the 1990s when we were dating.
“It was a popular spot back then, and today, we’re back here with our children,” Suzuraini reminisced.
Dressed in coordinated brown outfits, they took the opportunity to capture family photos in front of the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
“Last year, we went to KLCC, but this year, we wanted a different backdrop – something historic and meaningful. Taking photos here makes our Raya more special,” Aznam said.
With all seven family members celebrating together on the first day of Raya, he said, “It’s rare to have everyone free at the same time, so this moment means a lot.
“Our only wish for Hari Raya is that we continue to cherish and protect our family bond. That’s what truly matters.”
