Chinese couple tie the knot in wholesome Malay style

Having grown up among the Malay community in Kampung Alor Rambai, Kepala Batas, a Chinese couple, Soo Sheng Leng and Goh Sok Chin, shared their happiness with their families and neighbours in a wholesome Malay style wedding reception, Sunday.

Father of the groom, Soo Lian Heng, 58, said he and his family had planned the Malay-style wedding ceremony for his son for quite some time as he wished to foster closer ties with the Malay community in the village.

The sundry shop owner said he was happy when the idea was well-accepted and supported by the bride's family, as well as by friends and neighbours, who also helped him in hosting a kampung-style wedding feast, which was attended by about 3,000 relatives, friends and neighbours.

"I'm grateful that my friends and neighbours have been there to support me. Without them, the feast would not have been a success," he told reporters when met here today.

For Sheng Leng, 28, this was the first time he had put on the baju Melayu, sampin and songkok much like a Malay man.

"I'm very proud to be a Malaysian. I want to share my happiness with my wife, family and neighbours here," he said.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old bride said she was happy wearing the traditional Kebaya Kedah for her wedding.

"I'm very excited and this would be a beautiful memory for me and my husband. I will remember this experience always," she said.