Aidiladha, Wesak, Kaamatan, Gawai: Malaysia’s massive festive mash-up is about to take over

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — Malaysia is set to witness an “extraordinary festive atmosphere” soon as people of various races and religions celebrate several major festivals falling almost simultaneously during the school holiday season.

The uniqueness of Malaysia’s diversity will be clearly on display as Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha on May 27, Buddhists observe Wesak Day (May 31), while the Kadazandusun and Dayak communities celebrate the Kaamatan Festival (May 30 and 31) and Gawai Day (June 1 and 2), respectively.

The festive mood will be further heightened by the official birthday celebration of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on June 1, promising an extended holiday period that many Malaysians are expected to take advantage of to spend time with their families.

For event sector worker Nurfatihah Sagir, 27, this year’s Aidiladha celebration is highly anticipated as it offers her the chance to make up for missing time with her family after being unable to return home during Aidilfitri, besides participating in the sacrificial ritual to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice.

“I hope this Aidiladha will be a meaningful moment, not only to strengthen family ties but also to remind me of the values of family and togetherness,” she said.

Similarly, private sector employee Wong Yee Tian, 26, described the Wesak celebration as the perfect opportunity to spend time with family while participating in religious activities at temples.

“Long holidays like this are always eagerly awaited because we get to rest and gather with family. At the same time, we can also see Malaysians of different races enjoying holidays and travelling together,” she said.

For public university student K. Viggneshwary, 21, from Kulim, she is determined to make full use of the holiday to return to her hometown, despite acknowledging the slight increase in transportation costs.

She said although bus and train ticket prices tend to rise during the holiday season, the opportunity to return home and reunite with family remains worthwhile.

For Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) journalist Lucia Terey John, 39, this holiday season and Gawai celebration are especially meaningful as they provide her with the opportunity to return to her hometown in Sarawak and reunite with family.

“The opportunity to return home to celebrate Gawai with my family in the village is truly meaningful to me because I usually only get to go back once a year,” she said.

Meanwhile, the domestic tourism sector is also reaping benefits from a significant increase in hotel room bookings at popular destinations as many locals take the opportunity to holiday with their families.

Amid the festive cheer, economists are reminding the public not to neglect prudent financial management.

Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid, Associate Professor of Finance at the Universiti Kuala Lumpur Business School, said prudent spending is key amid global economic uncertainty and fluctuating global oil prices.

He said although the national economy remains stable, people should be more cautious in managing their finances, as the cost of living is seen to be increasing almost in tandem with income growth.

“We cannot control global oil prices or global economic uncertainty, but we can control how we spend and manage family finances,” he said.

He also advised the public to prioritise needs over wants and avoid unnecessary consumer debt, such as using ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes for non-essential items.

He said the habit of comparing prices, using digital payment incentives and maintaining an emergency fund are also important in helping people cope with any future economic uncertainty.

“The national economy will become stronger when people spend wisely and prudently, in line with the government’s call for society to practise sound financial management for long-term well-being,” he said.

He added that the approach is also in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for the public to adopt a culture of prudent spending and more sustainable financial management in facing current economic challenges. — Bernama