KUALA LUMPUR: Families in coordinated outfits filled Dataran Merdeka on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, turning the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building into a backdrop for reunion, remembrance and new memories.
For retired videographer Bosman Salim, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is not just about new clothes, feasts and family gatherings – it is also a chance to remind the next generation of the country’s history.
The 75-year-old turned the iconic landmark into his family’s Raya “classroom” on Saturday (March 21), arriving with 22 family members in coordinated outfits to take photographs and soak up the atmosphere.
“While celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we should not forget to teach the next generation to remember history. As Malaysians, even when we are enjoying a peaceful and comfortable Hari Raya, we must remember our historical heritage. That is why I brought my family of 22 here to take photos and mark the occasion,” he said.
Bosman, who served as a cameraman at RTM for 34 years before retiring in 2004, said this year’s Hari Raya felt especially meaningful as it was the reunion he had been waiting for.
ALSO READ: King hosts Aidilfitri reception at Istana Negara
“Last year, some of my granddaughters and grandsons couldn’t come home because of work, but this year everyone is finally here. My wife and I have four children – three sons and one daughter – and I have seven grandsons and 10 granddaughters,” he said.
This year’s celebration, he added, stood out from previous ones as more of his descendants managed to return to Kuala Lumpur.
“Last year some of them didn’t come back. This year, more of them have returned,” he said, adding that the full-house gathering made the day feel extra special.
Having spent decades behind the camera at RTM’s Angkasapuri complex, Bosman said he is now turning the lens towards his own family memories – and the landmarks that shaped Malaysia’s story.
“I believe that while we celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we must not forget our nation’s history. That’s why I decided to bring the family to the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building this year to take photos together, and to let my children and grandchildren know the history and legend behind this building,” he said.
Another family was also using the first day of Raya to make memories against the backdrop of the same historic building.
Muhammad Faiz Ahmad, 67, a retiree, said the quieter hours before visiting relatives were the ideal time to be together in the city.
“Because it’s the first day of Hari Raya, we still have time and space for the family to be together before we go to visit neighbours and relatives. So we’re taking this opportunity to come closer to this historical building, which has been upgraded so beautifully by the government.
“We’re taking this opportunity to make this memory something historic within our family,” he said, adding that there were five of them out together that morning.
“Compared to last year, I feel everyone is very cautious about the economy this year, so there isn’t much that we can spend. We need to make sure our family’s finances remain stable,” he added.
His son, videographer Mohd Halim, 23, said even their choice of colour theme was part of refreshing their Raya memories.
“Last year our colour was light grey, so this year we decided to wear blue – more of a navy blue theme because it’s darker,” he said.
The iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur was officially reopened to the public as of Feb 2, 2026, following an extensive 11-month restoration project. This upgrade, part of the Warisan KL initiative, has transformed the former administrative building into a vibrant cultural and lifestyle hub.
Another pair of close friends also chose the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building as their Raya backdrop.
Hilmi Arsyad Zamiridzuan, a factory operator, and his wife, Norin Hafizah Raman, 32, a nurse, brought their eight-month-old baby boy for their first Hari Raya visit to Dataran Merdeka with their friends, Syakirin Muhammad Sanusi and his wife Nur Hamizah Zaidi, 30, also a nurse, who came with their 11-month-old baby.
It was Hilmi’s first time at the historic square, and he said he was taken aback by the size of the crowd.
“I didn’t go back to my hometown in Kuantan, Pahang, this year. I’ll probably only go back in a few days to avoid the traffic jams,” he said, adding that his wife was on the night shift.
Syakirin said his wife was also on duty this Hari Raya, which was why both young families decided to meet and celebrate together in Kuala Lumpur instead. He too plans to return to his hometown in Kelantan only after a few days.
He said they chose to come to Dataran Merdeka because it is a Kuala Lumpur landmark and the historic building has recently been upgraded, making it a meaningful spot to capture their Raya memories.
Bosman Salim, 75, poses with his family in front of the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building. His granddaughter’s impromptu dance in front of the landmark caught the attention of passers-by.
Bosman Salim, 75, poses with his family in front of the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building. His granddaughter’s impromptu dance in front of the landmark caught the attention of passers-by.
Bosman Salim, 75, poses with his family in front of the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building. His granddaughter’s impromptu dance in front of the landmark caught the attention of passers-by.
Hilmi Arsyad Zamiridzuan (second left) and his wife, Norin Hafizah Raman, with their eight-month-old baby boy, share a first Hari Raya visit to Dataran Merdeka with their friends, Syakirin Muhammad Sanusi (second right) and Nur Hamizah Zaidi, who were there with their 11-month-old baby. It is the first time both young families are celebrating Raya at the historic square.
Muhammad Faiz Ahmad (centre) and his family share a light-hearted moment as they pose for a photo at the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building, savouring precious time together on the first day of Hari Raya.
