The Malaysian Embassy in Cambodia on Saturday celebrated Hari Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family Day) in gala style with traditional dances, cuisine and fashion shows adding to the fun.

The event was also held in conjunction with Malaysia Day which fell on September 16.

More than 400 guests comprising diaspora, brimming with national pride and kindred spirit, and friends were treated to a variety of patriotically-themed programmes and performances, making all of the attendees feel extremely happy and providing them with wonderful opportunities to learn more about Malaysian culture.

There were about 20 booths set up so that those who attended could learn more about Malaysia’s tourism, education, cuisine and entertainment.

There were also booths where children accompanying their parents could play games and win prizes and many of them did with squeals of delight. Other fun booths included balloon sculpturing and henna painting.

Malaysian delicacies such as Apam Balik (Malaysia pancake), Perwakilan (Malaysian ice cream), Nasi Lemak, Assam Laksa and Fetel burger (Fish burger) were also on sale at discounted prices with the proceeds going to charity.

Malaysian designer outlets such as Kapten batik, House of Olsha, Caftanist and Huey Sy showcased their creations which were also on sale.

Limkokwing University and Tourism Malaysia set up booths to field queries about education and travel opportunities in Malaysia. A booth for attendees to avail free health checkups was also set up.

Artistes perform the traditional bamboo dance from the Malaysian state of Sabah. Malaysian Embassy

At this family gathering event, people had the opportunity to form new friendships and reunite with old friends.

Malaysian Ambassador Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim said that the event was intended to bring everyone together in a spirit of love and solidarity.

He said ambassadors, diplomats, senior ministers, and governors from the provinces were also invited to the event which highlights relationships with Cambodian friends.

“It’s a day for us to celebrate family day and to enjoy the cultural and fashion shows and also Malaysian food alongside, and make sure everybody feels like they are home,” he added.

He pointed out that there are more than 5,000 Malaysian residing across the Kingdom, with Phnom Penh alone having more than 2,000, while 500 companies are operating in the country.

“This family day welcomed more than 400 people, providing opportunity for everyone to get to know one another better,” he said.

Ambassador Eldeen Husaini said that he would like to thank the Cambodian authorities for coordinating and facilitating the smooth running of the event, such as like providing security and traffic control.

“Meanwhile, I also thank Malaysian doctors from local hospitals that provided health services and an ambulance to stand by in the event,” he added.

“I would like to inform all haters in Malaysia that Cambodia is safe and a land of opportunity so don’t try to stop Malaysians from coming here just because of misrepresented scammer issues,” he said.

A  Secretary of State of Ministry of Women’s Affairs Mann Chenda, who attended, said that the events that the Malaysian Embassy prepared left her feeling quite pleased and impressed, and many of the cultural acts were enjoyable to see.

“It was a happy occasion and that I could see smiles and laughter on everyone’s faces,” she said, adding that the ministry would safeguard all Malaysian residents in Cambodia, who had the same rights as Cambodian citizens, and would collaborate closely with all relevant stakeholders to do so.

Moha Syazwan Mohd Nasir, a 35-year-old embassy official, said that the celebration was a very important one to all Malaysian expats residing in the Kingdom, as this event will improve their stay in Cambodia in the spirit of serving and help each other.

“This is because Malaysians from all over the nation, including those from Sihanoukville, Kampong Cham, and other places, will have gathered here and formed relationships like a big family in the country. It will also be advantageous for them all to have love and solidarity with one another,” he said.

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