JPA Daily Buzz - Edisi 33 2026

page 2 The Balik Kampung Adventure For those travelling home, the balik kampung journey sometimes feels like its own adventure. Traffic reports suddenly become the most important news of the day. Rest stops are packed. Petrol stations are crowded. Highways move slowly as thousands of families head in the same direction. Somewhere along the journey, someone in the car will inevitably ask: “Berapa jam lagi nak sampai?” Even when everyone already knows the answer. But somehow, the long journey becomes part of the Raya story itself. The Soundtrack of Raya No Raya preparation feels complete without the familiar sound of lagu raya playing in the background. Classic songs like Selamat Hari Raya, Balik Kampung, and Suasana Hari Raya seem to appear everywhere, in shopping malls, on the radio and sometimes even from the neighbour’s house. For many Malaysians, these songs bring a sense of nostalgia that signals one thing clearly: Raya is almost here. Some people enjoy the newer Raya songs. But for many others, the old classics will always have a special place . The moment those songs start playing, the festive mood begins. Raya Around the World Over the years, many Malaysians have experienced celebrating Eid in other parts of the world. In Europe, for example, the celebration can feel quite different. After the Eid prayer, families may gather for a meal, spend some time together, and that is often the end of the celebration. In some Middle Eastern countries, the celebration focuses mainly on close family gatherings. Food is served, relatives visit one another, and the day is spent within the family circle. These celebrations are meaningful in their own ways. But many Malaysians who celebrate Raya abroad often notice something. The atmosphere feels different. The MalaysianWay of Celebrating In Malaysia, Hari Raya rarely lasts just one day. The celebration continues for several days, sometimes even weeks. Neighbours visit neighbours. Friends visit friends. Relatives travel from one house to another and the phrase “makan lagi” becomes almost unavoidable. One house serves rendang. Another serves lemang. The next house has laksa, satay or kuih raya. Then comes the famous question: “Sudah makan?” Even if you have already eaten three times. Hospitality, The MalaysianWay Another tradition often associated with Hari Raya in Malaysia is the culture of welcoming guests into our homes. Relatives, friends and neighbours visit one another, sometimes moving from one house to another throughout the day. Over the years, larger gatherings such as community or organisational celebrations have also become common. This year, however, there has been a call to celebrate in a more modest and prudent manner , reflecting the spirit of being mindful in spending. But whether celebrations are large or simple, the essence remains the same, hospitality, warmth and the joy of sharing ameal with others . After all, sometimes the most meaningful gatherings are the simplest ones. A Celebration Shaped by Many Cultures Part of what makes Raya in Malaysia so special is the way our multicultural society quietly shapes the celebration. Take duit raya , for example.