Malaysia

Thousands flock to PM’s Aidilfitri open house at Seri Perdana

Crowds queue outside complex as early as 5am awaiting doors to be opened at 9.30am

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 08 May 2022 3:30PM

Thousands flock to PM’s Aidilfitri open house at Seri Perdana — The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah graces the prime minister’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Seri Perdana today. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, May 8, 2022

by Aiman Sadiq Abdullah

PUTRAJAYA – Visitors in their festive clothes are undeterred by the hour-long queue outside the Seri Perdana complex here to attend the prime minister’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house today.

Civil servant Halim Naim, 53, and his wife willingly travelled here from Bandar Baru Sentul because they miss the festive atmosphere since the country was under movement restrictions for the last two years.

“I am very excited because there has been no Hari Raya open house for two years and when I knew the prime minister would have one this year, I immediately asked my wife to come with me.

“Even though it is tiring to stand in line, I feel satisfied to take in the festive cheer again,” he told The Vibes’ sister portal Getaran.

Huge crowds were seen queueing outside the Seri Perdana complex as early as 5am, waiting for doors to be opened at 9.30am. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, May 8, 2022

For insurance agent trainer Bahiyah Mohd Kassim, 51, she has attended five open houses hosted by the sitting prime ministers and showed up here at 11am.

“Apart from coming here for the food, this is an exciting event as various races can celebrate Hari Raya together.”

Meanwhile, Ng Wook Chan, 61, was queuing with his family since 9am as he left his Kajang house 30 minutes earlier.

“We get to enjoy festive dishes such as lemang and ketupat with fellow Malaysians as well as the chance to meet the prime minister.

“We are very excited and hope that this kind of celebration can continue in the future.”

Visitors from all walks of life willingly travel from near and far to attend the prime minister’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house today. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, May 8, 2022

Crowds were seen outside the complex as early as 5am while doors were opened at 9.30am.

There are three access routes provided for senior citizens, the disabled and pregnant mothers.

All visitors had to go through security and temperature checks, and items such as umbrellas and scissors were not allowed.

Besides enjoying the festive dishes such as lemang and ketupat, guests get the chance to meet and take pictures with the prime minister. – ABDUL RAZAK LATIF/The Vibes pic, May 8, 2022

Seeing the great response from the crowd, the prime minister has extended the celebration at his home to 6pm.

“Assalamualaikum, today’s open house will be extended until 6 in the evening, under the instructions of the prime minister to give an opportunity for the public (to attend).

“To those who have not visited, you are more than welcome to,” an aide to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced to the media. – The Vibes, May 8, 2022