KLUANG: The national-level Malaysia Open House Ceremony for Aidilfitri 2017 in Sembrong attracted today pulled in a 30,000-strong crowd who joined the Prime Minister for the celebration.
Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who arrived at about 8.50pm, were among the guests of honour at the event at the Taman Sri Lambak mini stadium in Sembrong, which is hosting the national event for the first time.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Defence Minister and Sembrong MP Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and other dignitaries.
The open house is jointly organised by the Tourism Ministry, Defence Ministry (Mindef) and the Sembrong parliamentary constituency.
As part of the event, a Mindef and Armed Forces Mini Carnival, which kicked off yesterday, continued to draw the crowd today with major attractions. Among them were the 20 armed forces assets on exhibit as well as various other programmes.
It culminated with the open house, which began at about 8pm.
A spread of traditional Hari Raya cuisines such as ketupat and rendang as well as local Johorean dishes and sweet cakes were served.
The open house also featured special performances by more than 500 people in traditional dances and musical showcases.
Local celebrities such Datuk M. Nasir, Ramlah Ram, Datuk DJ Dave, Noraniza Idris, and Shiro Maharaja Lawak Mega are also in the lined up to keep guests entertained.
Earlier in the day, visitors thronged the many side events and programmes such as the Sembrong Got Talent, Hari Raya Best Costume and karaoke singing competitions. There was also futsal competition with a Raya theme.