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FRIDAY | MAR 20, 2026

Gold sales spike ahead of Raya

TVET centre offers holistic

usually celebrate it in Singapore. The ETS is also really comfortable.” Yana, 24, from Singapore took the ETS to return to Seremban. “This is my first time taking the ETS. I used to drive but I chose the train to avoid traffic. It is more comfortable and I booked a business-class seat. I do not have to worry about fuel, tolls and long delays,” said the solo traveller, who is on a week-long break. education model MALACCA: The Pulau Besar Tahfiz Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institute has emerged as the first holistic education model combining Quran memorisation, academics and professional skills, particularly in technical diving, including underwater welding. State Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman said the initiative was planned two years ago as part of efforts to develop Pulau Besar into a syariah-compliant tourism destination. “The key distinction of this tahfiz institution is its offering of professional diving, covering recreational and technical diving, including underwater welding skills, which carry high commercial value in industry. “This programme produces students who not only memorise the Quran but also undertake academic studies culminating in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, while undergoing skills training in professional diving.” He said the combination of Quran memorisation, academics and technical skills gives students an advantage to further their studies at higher education institutions or pursue professional careers in related sectors. He also said the programme is managed by Tahfiz Al-Amin founder Ustaz Muhammad Abdullah Al-Amin, who is an experienced professional diving instructor, having trained government agencies such as the Fire and Rescue Department and the Civil Defence Force. “So far, 15 new students have enrolled, bringing the total to 28 since operations began in October last year. The number is expected to increase to 50 by next year, comprising students from Form One to Form Five.” Rahmad said facility development has been reinforced by a RM1 million allocation from the federal government for repair and restoration works, in addition to plans to apply for additional funding under the state TVET allocation. He added that future plans include building diving and welding simulation training facilities to enable students to undergo more systematic and safer training, further enhancing the uniqueness of the Pulau Besar Tahfiz TVET Institute, Bernama reported. “We are also working on building an additional jetty next to the tahfiz centre for students’ use as well as providing a boat for emergencies,” he said.

o Product remains deeply rooted in M’sian culture , historically serving as reliable store of value: Specialist

In a separate development, Hameed Mytheen, who is also Ayer Limau assemblyman, said a total cash prize of RM5,000 has been set aside for the winners of the TikTok Beraya competition in Masjid Tanah, which is running from Wednesday until Monday. He added that the videos should showcase the Hari Raya experience in Masjid Tanah, be no longer than one minute and 30 seconds, and include the hashtags #berayadimasjidtanah and #masjidtanahkampungkita. – Bernama For example, this year’s collection is inspired by songket .” He said beyond personal purchases, the idea of giving gold instead of traditional duit raya is gaining traction, particularly in the form of small, affordable pieces, such as gold wafers and collectibles. “Instead of giving cash, which is often spent quickly, gold becomes something people keep. It creates a memory and some even collect these pieces over time.” He said such products were initially introduced as collectibles rather than pure investment items, but have since grown in popularity due to their affordability and sentimental value. “These items started as something small, around RM99 previously, now around RM188 due to higher gold prices. But they are still accessible and have become popular, especially for gifting.” He added that increased awareness, particularly since the pandemic, has encouraged more Malaysians, including younger consumers, to view gold as a stable and tangible asset. “There is much more awareness now. People are reading about gold, understanding it better and some are even shifting from other assets into gold.” Looking ahead, Meer believes gold gifting will continue to grow as part of festive traditions in Malaysia and become one of the important trends going forward. “There is nothing quite like gold. It completes the Raya experience as people buy new clothes and gold enhances the overall look while still retaining its value. “Unlike other accessories, in which the value is lost, gold maintains its worth. “That is the unique space it occupies as adornment and investment.”

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: As Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches, Malaysians are not just stocking up on baju raya and kuih . Many are also turning to gold, with some even swapping traditional duit raya for the precious metal as both a stylish accessory and a store of value. In an exclusive interview, Habib Jewels group executive chairman Datuk Seri Meer Habib told theSun that gold sales have increased ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, driven by stronger demand despite elevated prices and ongoing global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He said while purchasing gold ahead of Raya has long been a tradition, buying patterns are shifting, with consumers no longer waiting until the final weeks before the celebration. “Every year, people will buy gold before Raya, but usually it peaks about one or two weeks before. Nowadays, people are coming in even earlier (before Ramadan) because there is a lot of uncertainty and speculation that prices may go up,” he noted. Meer said Malaysian consumer behaviour differs from that of other countries, where rising gold prices government has this year allocated RM5 million to upgrade street lighting, with new streetlights to be installed in phases. State Public Works, Infrastructure, Public Facilities and Transport exco chairman Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer said RM3.5 million of the allocation will be used to upgrade streetlights on state roads. “Meanhwhile, RM1.5 million is earmarked for roads under the Malaysian Road Records Information System, managed by the District and

Meer highlighted a growing presence of younger buyers, driven by evolving designs and greater accessibility. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

rural roads based on requests from local residents,” he said after the Poghut Ayer Limau breaking-of-fast event in Kampung Seri Jeram here on Wednesday. He added that there has been high demand from road users in the Rim, Asahan and Machap areas as these routes are poorly lit, posing various safety risks. Hameed Mytheen said Malacca has also received an allocation of RM4 million this year to maintain existing streetlights and install new ones on federal roads in the state. this year’s campaign featuring (singer, songwriter and actress) Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza alongside returning personality Ikmal Amri and his family.” Meer highlighted a growing presence of younger buyers, driven by evolving designs and greater accessibility. “In the past, younger people felt gold was something for their parents or grandparents. But now, with more contemporary designs and lightweight pieces, they are coming in. “We do deep research into Malaysian heritage and from there we create designs that reflect our culture. “It is not just about business but also about promoting local craft and art.

Land Offices.” He said the initiative aims to ensure road lighting is in good condition, particularly in rural and poorly lit areas, to reduce the risk of road crashes and enhance the comfort and safety of road users. “The streetlight upgrade under this special allocation is expected to be carried out within the next two months. We are appointing a concessionaire for the project. “With this allocation, we estimate that over 700 new solar-powered lights can be installed on dark or tend to dampen demand. “In some countries, people complain that gold prices are too high, so they do not buy. In Malaysia, it is the reverse. When prices go up, people feel more confident in gold and want to buy.” He said gold prices have recorded strong gains in recent years, rising about 65% last year alone, following an increase of about 28% in 2024, further reinforcing consumer confidence. He also said beyond price movements, gold buying remains deeply rooted in Malaysian culture as it has historically served as a reliable store of value. “Regular customers continue to drive demand as they are always looking for the latest designs and Raya themes, which is reflected in