Foreigners enjoy Malaysian hospitality at Aidilfitri open house

PUTRAJAYA: A Japanese family was among the early birds at the Prime Minister and Ministers' Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House today.

This family of four, comprising Hiro Hiyama, his six-year-old son, both in blue baju Melayu, his nine-year-old daughter, in a green kimono, and wife, were at the Seri Perdana complex here to get their first hand Aidilfitri atmosphere with the Keluarga Malaysia.

"My wife suggested that we attend this open house as we can meet many Malaysians, including the Malaysian leaders," he told Bernama when met at the open house.

The 39-year-old Hiyama, who has been living in Malaysia since November 2021, recalled on the Malaysia-Japan bilateral relationship and described the bond as strong.

Themed 'Raya Keluarga Malaysia, Syawal Dirai, Nikmat Disyukuri', this open house is the first hosted by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his cabinet members after he was appointed prime minister on Aug 20, 2021.

The kampung-style open house is from 9.30 am to 4 pm and guests are served with a huge spread of Hari Raya dishes with over 40 types of traditional dishes to indulge in.

Over 30,000 guests had attended the open house as at noon today.

Karoline Johannessen Litland, a Norwegian currently doing an internship at the Norwegian embassy in Kuala Lumpur, said she was impressed with the environment and warm hospitality at the open house.

"I read about it (open house) in the newspaper that it is opened for everyone to attend. What came to mind then was that it will provide me the opportunity to see more of the Malaysian culture," said the 24-year old woman who loves he spicy nasi lemak.

For Mushtaq Ali, 45, he said he loved the open house culture in Malaysia where the people from all walks of life gathered under one roof and and get to enjoy the delicious Malaysian dishes.

"I have tasted soto and apam balik just now, and definitely will try more dishes before I leave," said the businessman from Bangladesh.

-- BERNAMA