PUTRAJAYA: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) invites the public to join in its Aidilfitri open house with a slew of events related to tourism and culture to bring the public – especially those from Terengganu – closer to Malaysian arts, culture and tourism activities from May 19 to 21.

       The opening ceremony will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on May 20 May (9pm) at Dataran Drawbridge in Kuala Terengganu.

       The public will be treated to exciting activities such as the Aidilfitri Open House exhibition that highlights the practices and traditions of open houses during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri; heritage cooking workshops and classes like the ketupat palas weaving workshop; heritage food demonstrations like how to make ketupat rice, chicken serunding and rose cake and friendly competitions like the ketupat eating and weaving contest.

       That’s not all. There will also be performances by the Terengganu Arts and Culture NGO, the Exhibition of Malay and Rare Manuscripts Related to Muslim Festivals and the Sinar Aidilfitri Exhibition and Tourism Exhibition.

       The public is also encouraged to join in the special religious talk session on May 19 (9pm-11pm) entitled ‘Syawal Disambut Dengan Penuh Kesyukuran dan Kegembiraan’.

       The three-day event takes place from May 19 (2.30pm-10pm), May 20 (10am-10pm) and May 21 (10am-2pm).

       After two years of not being able to celebrate with an open house due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Motac selected Terengganu to host its open house as the state is not only famous, but also rich in culture and customs that are suitable to be highlighted to all Malaysians.

       Besides that, Terengganu has several major attraction locations such as the Crystal Mosque, Batu Buruk Beach, Jambatan Angkat, as well as several beautiful islands that are able to attract domestic and international visitors.

       Motac opined that Terengganu is a state rich in scenery and attractive locations that can be raised as an element of tourism in promoting the uniqueness of Malaysia in the eyes of the world.

       “In addition, the government’s initiative to boost economic activities in Terengganu, especially those involving tourism industry players, brings the people of Terengganu closer to arts, culture and heritage activities, as well as attracting domestic tourists.

       “This event will also be one of the initiatives to boost the economy in Terengganu where it involves many parties, especially players in the country’s tourism industry,” it said in a statement recently.

       Furthermore, Motac hopes that this festival will attract the attention of Malaysians to visit the state.

       “The programme is expected to increase the spirit of gotong-royong, unity and tolerance, as well as instil good values and a culture of high values among the community of various races and cultures to be more open and respect each other.

       Motac Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said: “Rewang Raya will be held at the Kampung Seberang Takir Mosque, Kuala Terengganu. I together with Terengganu Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar will be there. Keluarga Malaysia are also invited to attend the Kenduri Rakyat from 6pm-8pm at Dataran Drawbridge.”

       “We have high hopes that this programme can be continued for years to come in an effort to make art and culture continue to flourish in Terengganu,” Motac said.

       In tandem with this event, Motac has received approval from the National Security Council in helping to make the programme a success, so that it can be implemented successfully and in accordance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) that have been set.

       It also implemented a campaign to cultivate new norms, especially the cultivating the implementation of SOPs, hand sanitation, physical distancing and wearing face masks.

       “We have recently launched the MyMotac community ambassador, which is an initiative under the Kelauarga Malaysia Community ambassador programme in line with the country’s transition to the endemic phase.

       “This MyMotac community ambassador will be tasked with ensuring a high level of compliance with SOPs by the community and the public. The focus will be on high-risk tourism or high-density areas in conjunction with festive holidays and school holidays, such as zoos, shopping malls, theme parks, hotels, museums among others,” it said.

       Motac encourages the public to always maintain personal hygiene and adhere to SOPs that have been set, such as wearing face masks and frequent hand washing and maintaining a physical distance.