22/04/2026

WEDNESDAY | APR 22, 2026

6

Hundreds join Raya-themed camping

KUALA LUMPUR: The glow of campfires, rows of oil lamps and the aroma of traditional Hari Raya delicacies set the scene for a camping experience during the Payung.camp Regional Campmeet 2026 event, held from April 17 to April 19. Organised by Payung.Camp Community Malaysia, it involved 800 to 1,000 campers and their families who camped in 201 tents across seven locations in the central, northern, southern and east coast zones of the peninsula, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, Bernama reported. Payung.Camp Community Malaysia is a Facebook-based camping community run by Payung.camp, a camping gear brand. Event operations director Khairil Izwan Mahyudin said the event, themed “One Community, One Brotherhood – Raya together with Payung.Camp Community Malaysia”, aimed to strengthen bonds within the community through face-to-face interaction. He added that the community, established in December 2022, has grown to nearly 60,000 members via its official Facebook platform. “This is our fourth annual event and the largest so far, bringing participants together to share camping experiences with their families while enjoying the festive Hari Raya atmosphere in a natural setting.” Over the three-day event, each zone hosted a variety of Raya-themed activities, including communal preparation of traditional dishes, o Nationwide event aimed at strengthening community bonds, says organiser

campsites to ensure the comfort and safety of participants, especially with children and families involved.” He expressed hope that similar programmes would continue in the future as a platform to strengthen community ties while offering participants a chance to unwind and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere over the weekend. The event also drew camping influencers and content creators such as Pakcik Camping, Ez Hadiff, Esh Homes and Nohas TV. Meanwhile, Payung.camp Regional Campmeet 2026 central zone head Aizuddin Azali, who camped with his family at the Dusun Apak Kawww campsite in Batang Kali, Selangor, described the celebrations at the campsite as a refreshing experience that revived a sense of togetherness rarely felt in recent times. “It was a truly different experience for the participants. Many were reminded of the past when entire villages would come together to prepare food.” He said despite weather challenges, a strong community spirit remained evident, with participants acting without the need for detailed instructions. “One of the most meaningful moments was the communal effort to build a balai raya stage using bamboo sourced from the surrounding area, creating a kampung -like atmosphere within nature. “Even when tasked with building a wooden bench, participants instinctively knew how to design and complete it. The same went for cooking rendang. Some immediately lit the firewood, while others set up the wok and prepared the spices. Everything took place spontaneously.” He expressed hope that such events would continue as a platform to revive the spirit of togetherness and create lasting memories.

Khairil Izwan expressed hope that similar programmes would continue in the future as a platform to strengthen community ties while offering participants a chance to unwind and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere over the weekend. – BERNAMAPIC

children. He added that organising simultaneous events across seven locations posed challenges, particularly in coordinating committees in each zone. “We were also mindful of the weather conditions and the selection of suitable

Aidilfitri-inspired tent decorations, the lighting of oil lamps and small-scale fireworks displays. Khairil Izwan, who camped with his family at the Wooris campsite in Janda Baik, Bentong in Pahang, said the event also featured a Raya feast, with participants encouraged to wear traditional attire and even distribute duit raya to

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