Huge turnout at Perak-level Hari Raya celebrations
MORE than 15,000 people attended the state-level Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations in Ipoh.
IPOH: Although the event was scheduled to start at 2 pm, the crowd had already started lining up at the entrance of the menteri besar's official residence at noon.
Many students and members of non-governmental organisations from across the state arrived in buses.
The rakyat were treated to local food, including fried noodles, satay, lemang and cendol.
Local performers sang popular Hari Raya songs. A Malay singer performed a Tamil song number. There were also cultural dances.
Perak Regent Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, his consort, Raja Puan Besar Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Dihilir Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Raja Puan Muda of Perak Raja Nor Mahani Raja Shahar Shah took part in the festivities.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the large turnout of people of various races and backgrounds reflected the cultural harmony in the state.
"The diversity is also a representation of the nation as a whole. Open house events like these help to promote unity and goodwill among the people."
He added that although the crowd numbers had surpassed expectations, adequate facilities had been set up to accommodate visitors.
Zambry noted that this was the second year that the state-level Hari Raya celebrations was held jointly with the menteri besar's open house.
"This was done to save time and cost," he added.
There were visitors of all racial and religious backgrounds at the open house.
Perak Regent Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and his consort, Raja Puan Besar Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, greeting the public. Pix by L. Manimaran.
Perak Regent Raja Dr Nazrin Shah and his consort, Raja Puan Besar Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, with other VIPs at the state-level Hari Raya celebrations.

