As someone who eagerly looks forward to every Malaysian holiday, I always strive to make the most of my time off. With Malaysia Day just around the corner, my Malaysian spirit is coming alive. While I wouldn’t call myself overly patriotic, I genuinely want to appreciate Malaysia from the heart—or at least try something I’ve never experienced before. So, here’s the real question: How can we honour Hari Malaysia this year in a truly unique way?
RIUH!
Thank goodness! I hit the jackpot when I stumbled upon a post about an event called RIUH Bah! Just seeing the word “RIUH” instantly threw me back to my first encounter with it in the historic state of Malacca. I remembered the adrenaline rush I got at their RIUH x Hari Belia Negara event. It's hilarious how it all started—I ended up there completely by chance, like a random blind date that turned into love at first sight.
It all started with a spontaneous trip to Malacca with my friends wandering from one random spot to another, when we ended up at Dataran Pahlawan. That’s when we heard this energetic buzz, and we couldn't resist checking it out. The next thing we knew, we were right in the middle of the crowd, jamming to these amazing artists I had never even heard of before! Now, I’m proudly a big fan—keep reading, and I’ll reveal who!
As a Malaysian, I realised I hadn’t been giving our local brands, artists, and heritage the attention they deserve. When I finally discovered RIUH, I was blown away. It opened my eyes to the beauty of our local products, the talent of our artists, and the richness of our heritage. It’s more than just an event; it’s a celebration of everything that makes Malaysia unique, and it’s a reminder to support and take pride in our local scene! I would say RIUH is such a perfect spot to dive into local creativity, discover unique arts and crafts, and soak up Malaysian culture.
Plus as a cherry on top, it’s a perfect way to celebrate this year's Malaysia Day with a creative twist.
It’s time for RIUH Bah!
Here comes RIUH Bah!, happening on 14 & 15 September in Kota Kinabalu, perfectly timed right before Malaysia Day on 16 September. It’s the answer to my quest for a unique and exciting way to celebrate our nation. What better way to honour Malaysia than by diving into a weekend of local crafts, creativity, and culture?
Attending the RIUH Bah! event is a perfect way to celebrate Malaysia Day by embracing the country's rich culture and creativity. This event brings together local artisans, performers, and entrepreneurs, showcasing the best of Malaysian talent.
By participating, you’re not only enjoying a unique cultural experience but also supporting homegrown crafts, food, and performances that reflect the diverse heritage of Malaysia. It’s an opportunity to connect with fellow Malaysians, explore new perspectives, and celebrate the essence of Malaysia in a lively and creative atmosphere.
While soaking in the breathtaking natural beauty of Kota Kinabalu, you can also immerse yourself in the lively vibe of RIUH Bah! It’s the perfect blend—exploring Sabah’s stunning landscapes and rich culture while enjoying RIUH’s vibrant showcase of local creativity, art, and talent. It’s where the spirit of Sabah meets the energy of RIUH, giving you the best of both worlds.
Local Artisans and Food!
Every RIUH event is a treasure trove of traditional crafts and locally made products that truly showcase the heart of Malaysia. At my first RIUH event, I was delighted to discover a vibrant mix of traditional crafts and contemporary local products.
From handcrafted jewellery that beautifully reflected our rich heritage to street-style fashion with a hip-hop flair by local designers, the experience was a celebration of Malaysia's cultural diversity and modern creativity.
As I wandered through the stalls, I was drawn to the mouth-watering food offerings that were as diverse as they were delicious. I vividly remember trying Laksam, a special type of laksa from Kelantan. Unlike the thin rice noodles in traditional laksa, Laksam features thick, rolled rice noodles.
The dish stands out with its creamy, pale-grey gravy made from coconut milk and groundfish, offering a rich, hearty texture. This sets Laksam apart from the lighter, spicy broth and delicate noodles of other laksa varieties.
But if you ask me to choose between Laksa and Laksam, I’d be torn. It’s like being asked to choose between mom and dad—both are equally cherished and hard to pick between.
Now, as I look forward to visiting Sabah, the traditional and unique dish that comes to mind is the infamous “ambuyat.” I’m excited to explore and taste new, flavorful dishes that reflect Sabah’s rich culinary heritage, hoping to add another layer to my appreciation of Malaysia’s diverse food scene.
Experience Malaysia’s Heritage Through Hands-On Workshops
One of the activities I’m most excited about for RIUH Bah! is the workshop showcasing local crafts and scenic inspirations from talented Malaysian artists. I had a blast diving into one of these craft workshops at a previous RIUH event—it was like a creative adventure! As a city dweller, I rarely get the chance to immerse myself in traditional heritage, so working with my hands to create something inspired by local crafts felt like a journey back to Malaysia’s roots.
The workshop was more than just learning a new skill; it was like stepping into the world of a “Gadis Melayu Terakhir,” connecting with the artistry that has shaped our culture for generations. I remember feeling the joy of experimenting with vibrant batik patterns and getting my hands covered in colourful dyes, which added to the fun.
It was a playful and meaningful reminder of how rich our heritage is, making me fall in love with Malaysia’s beauty all over again. The whole experience at RIUH felt like a celebration of creativity and culture, and I can’t wait to dive into it all over again at RIUH Bah!
Our Hidden Gem! Falling in Love with Local Artists
No festival is complete without live performances, and RIUH is renowned for showcasing top-notch talent as well as appreciating local talents Believe me, some of the line-up I haven't heard before but surprisingly they managed to captivate my heart.
During my first RIUH concert in Malacca, I had the chance to watch Midnight Fusic perform and their music was something truly special. They have this incredible ability to blend melancholic vibes with groovy, uplifting beats, creating a unique sound that draws you in.
What really stood out was how they use their music not just to entertain, but to talk about real issues that resonate with today's youth—things like mental health and the struggles of navigating life in modern times. You can feel their experiences through every note, and it makes their performance feel raw, relatable, and empowering.
It felt like they weren’t just performing; they were sharing their voice, one that the culture and industry really need right now. For a moment, I was really impressed with our Malaysian Gen-Z talents!
For this time at RIUH Bah!, I'll get a chance to meet one of Malaysia's heartthrob, Anuar Zain, whose soulful voice promises to captivate us all. His presence and timeless vocals are sure to shine in the vibrant, cultural setting of RIUH.
But wait, there’s more! Rising band Insomniacks will bring a fresh, contemporary vibe with their soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, their performance is bound to make a lasting impression. I can’t wait to sing along to their hit:
"Ohh pulang, pulang sekarang, ku rindu wajahmu, senyuman manismu sayang."
The combination of iconic legends and rising talent is what makes RIUH Bah! so special, and I’m beyond excited to be part of it! Even more thrilling is the question—who’s the new hidden gem I’ll be discovering at RIUH Bah! this time around?
Well, I guess it’s time to snap out of my daydream and start planning! If you’re looking to celebrate Malaysia Day in a vibrant, unforgettable way, this is the place to be. With its perfect mix of art, music, and heritage, RIUH Bah! turns the holiday into a colourful tribute to what it means to be truly Malaysian. So why not turn this Malaysia Day into an epic celebration of our culture?
I’ll be there, and I hope to see you at RIUH Bah!. Let’s make it one for the books!
This article is contributed by #HHWTexplorer Mysteri Mi. If you'd like to contribute articles or other content, sign up here.
