KUCHING: The scent of freshly prepared ‘buka puasa’ dishes drifted through Majma Mall as shoppers weaved between stalls of shimmering ‘baju kurung’ and neatly stacked ‘kuih’ , marking the launch of Majma’ Raya Fes 2026 at Majma Mall today.
Gracing the simple yet meaningful ceremony was Dayang Norjihan Abang Abdul Rahman Johari, daughter of the Premier of Sarawak.
Organised by Kompleks Islam Sarawak, the festival returns this year with the theme ‘Siney Lagik Mun Sik Majma’, running from Feb 19 to March 20 across three zones, which are the Food Bazaar at the Marque Tent, the Raya Bazaar between the Arcum Tent and Majma Mall, and the Fesyen Bazaar within the main mall concourse.
More than just a marketplace, Majma’ Raya Fes 2026 positions itself as a “one stop centre” for Ramadan and Aidilfitri preparations, offering visitors a space to break fast, perform prayers and shop under one roof.
A total of 138 stalls are participating this year, featuring entrepreneurs from various age groups, selling festive essentials ranging from Muslim and Muslimah attire to accessories, footwear, women’s adornments and seasonal delicacies.
The Food Bazaar provides a wide spread of dishes for iftar, along with a comfortable dining area, while worshippers may perform fardu and tarawih prayers at the surau on Level 3 of Majma Mall, which can accommodate up to 400 congregants at one time.
Speaking to reporters, General Manager of Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak, Datuk Abg Mohd Shibli Abg Mohd Nailie, described the launch as modest yet rich in significance.
“We are very grateful because we can continue this inauguration in a simple way, but with a lot of meaning,” he said.
He added that the platform serves as an opportunity for both new and returning entrepreneurs to showcase products suited for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“Many of those who have participated in this Raya Fest can say that they have gained a lot of benefits,” he said, noting that despite growing competition from other bazaars, Majma’ Raya Fes remains close to the hearts of shoppers in Kuching.
According to him, demand for booth spaces was strong this year, with entrepreneurs vying for limited slots.
“However, we use a system that is fairly controlled and fair,” he said, adding that the bazaar will operate from the first day of Ramadan until Aidilfitri, with traders also expected to offer last-minute sales closer to the celebration.
Beyond commerce, the festival will feature side programmes including Shop & Win contests, Raya singing competitions, cooking programmes, ‘bubur lambuk’ distribution, Ramadan forums, fashion shows, colouring contests and busker performances.
Majma’ Raya Fes 2026 also aims to support bumiputera entrepreneurs while drawing Muslim families from across Sarawak to experience the spirit of Ramadan in a space where devotion and daily life intersect naturally.
As shoppers browsed fabrics and sampled sweet treats, the mood suggested that for many, the journey towards Syawal has already begun, one stall at a time.
