MAKING MERRY: Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib’s feast was an eye-opener for visitors into Malaysia’s diverse cultures
KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIA is best known and loved for its multicultural diversity.
In conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfiltri, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib recently hosted a Hari Raya feast for the public with tourists also thronging the party.
The event was organised by City Hall's Tourism Unit and other city tourism industry players, and held at the newly launched Kuala Lumpur City Gallery (KLCG).
KLCG, run by ARCH Collection Sdn Bhd, opens daily from 8am to 6pm.
It also houses the new Kuala Lumpur Tourism office, which is on the second floor of the building.
KLCG also features a visitor information centre about Kuala Lumpur, a DIY workshop on woodcraft and a gift shop.
The event was also held in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur Food and Culture Festival.
"We decided to have an open house to welcome tourists and show them the many cultures of Malaysians," said Phesal.
After the launch, the mayor was shown a model of the city centre. It measured 12.19m by 15.24m, and used 3,000 LED lights.
At the KLCG foyer, Phesal tried his hand at stirring dodol and cooking lemang as tourists watched, with many taking the opportunity to snap photos of him.
There were also 21 stalls serving local food ranging from pasembur, roti jala, satay, char kway teow, briyani, and roti canai, among others.
There were also craft-making booths demonstrating pewter-making, basket-weaving and coconut-grating, as well those featuring local traditional games outside the open space next to the Dataran Merdeka field.
Canadian Andrew Mayer, 27, who was visiting the country for the first time, was overwhelmed with the many facets of Malaysian culture.
"It's like one huge melting pot here. I hope Malaysians will continue to keep this harmony intact," he said.
South Korean Ryu Dae-Su, 25, said he was also visiting the country for the first time. He commented on the beautiful scenery of Kuala Lumpur.
"I'm studying architecture and I noticed Kuala Lumpur has many heritage buildings which I could study for my research," he added.
Aside from tasting the various culinary delights that Malaysian culture offered, tourists also tried their hand at making kuih kapit, playing sepak raga and batik canting drawing.
There were also cultural dances by City Hall's Cultural Unit, with tourists invited to join in the joget lambak dance.