PETALING JAYA: Every year, as Hari Raya Aidilfitri arrives, children eagerly anticipate one of the festival’s most cherished traditions – duit raya.
Even in an age of digitalisation with e-wallets, DuitNow, QR codes and apps, many Malaysians still prefer handing out green packets, valuing the tradition and its “aesthetic charm”.
From coins in wrinkled palms to money sent through glowing screens, Malaysians have shown that traditions evolve, not disappear. Sometimes it’s a crisp green envelope; other times, it’s a phone notification.
Arfaeza Jamiel, 52, from Rawang, recalls how receiving duit raya was the highlight of the day as a child.
“We would visit relatives in freshly-pressed baju Melayu and baju kurung, performing the salam to elders after Hari Raya prayers just to get our duit raya. The joy of grandparents reaching into small purses or drawers to hand out coins or notes was immense.
“In the ’80s, there were no envelopes; money was sometimes wrapped in tissue paper or slipped into our palms. The amounts were small – maybe 20sen, 50sen or RM1 – but it felt like RM100 to us. Getting together at the end of the day and comparing who got the most was the ultimate thrill,” she said.
Civil servant Mohamad Fauzi Pilus, 46, from Mantin, adds that the envelopes carry a special charm.
“The amounts vary depending on who receives them. Teenagers get more, while younger children get smaller amounts,” he said.
Norhayati Abdul Ghani, 51, admits she is torn between digital transfers and traditional packets.
“I still prefer envelopes. They give the Hari Raya vibe – the act of giving, receiving and the salam. My children, aged 15 to 19, prefer digital apps, but I place RM10 for relatives’ children and RM5 for friends’ children,” she said.
For general practitioner Dr Zafrina Burukan and her husband, Mohamed Faisal, their approaches differ.
“I prefer traditional packets; the children’s excitement is unmatched. My husband opts for digital transfers. But for young children, packets are essential,” she said.
Writer Leena Abdul, 46, said: “You can see the spark of joy, especially in children, when handing out duit raya packets.
“Digital money feels a bit detached and not in the spirit of Hari Raya. I used to give packets to my parents and it made them happy – not because of the money, but for what it represented: the act of giving something tangible.”
