Kuala Perlis festival dazzles 100,000 visitors

Kuala Perlis's Malam Citra Warna festival drew an impressive crowd of over 100,000 people to Dataran Lok 9 on May 22. This iconic event, now in its third year, is a cornerstone of the Festival Rakyat 3.0, coinciding with the 83rd birthday celebration of the Raja Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, Raja Muda Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and Raja Puan Muda Perlis Tuanku Dr. Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil. The evening's festivities included a vibrant display of cultural performances, such as the Tari Tualang Tiga, a procession of the Perahu Jarum Emas Jamalullail, and various traditional dances from different communities. Visitors were also treated to a parade of decorated floats representing "Tahun Melawat Malaysia," "Tahun Melawat Perlis (TMPs) 2024/2026," and "Geopark."

Adding to the excitement, renowned artists Noraniza Idris and Ella delivered captivating musical performances. The night concluded with the Tarian Ayam Didik, a "citra warna" song performance, and a spectacular fireworks display. The festival received strategic support and collaboration from Five Petroleum Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., 99 Speed Mart Holding Berhad, and Aurelius Hospital Alor Setar.

Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah stated that the festival aligns with the TMPs' objective to strengthen domestic tourism and position Perlis as a premier tourist destination and a major cultural hub in the northern region. He highlighted that Malam Citra Warna Kuala Perlis successfully brought together diverse artistic and cultural elements from various ethnic groups onto a single stage. "It is also a significant event in strengthening the state's tourism sector, which is rich in cultural elements and the beauty of flora and fauna," he said, adding that the blend of traditional and modern performances elevates local art and culture.