Pasar Mui Mahmeri To Boost Income, Strengthen Orang Asli Economy

SHAH ALAM, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- The Pasar Mui Mahmeri 2025 event, set to begin on Saturday, is expected to draw 6,000 visitors and provide income-generating opportunities for the Orang Asli community from 11 villages across Selangor.

Selangor National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director Muhammad Hasnimizan Ishak said the two-day event, which will take place at the Orang Asli Craft Centre in Kampung Sungai Bumbun, Pulau Carey in Kuala Langat, aims to highlight the uniqueness of the Mah Meri ethnic group through the ‘pasar sehari’ (day market) concept.

“‘Mui’ means ‘one’ in the Mah Meri language. So, we are bringing together all participants under one roof through Pasar Mui Mahmeri. Like the popular Pasar Saloma, we hope this event will also leave a lasting legacy.

“Later on, the local community can continue this initiative to generate income and strengthen the local economy in the long run through activities that incorporate cultural and artistic elements,” he said in a press conference at the Karangkraf Media Group headquarters in Section 15 here today.

He said the Selangor JKKN has collaborated with the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to facilitate the participation of Orang Asli from 11 villages in Selangor through 20 sales booths and performances.

Meanwhile, Ceritera Art Association chairman Sheikh Shuhaimi Sheikh Abdul Rahim said this year’s edition will feature food elements as a new attraction, drawing from their experience in organising previous cultural programmes.

Apart from the Mahmeri day market, the event will also feature a fun run, Batik Sarong netball competition, Sewang Mui contest, Orang Asli traditional games competition, futsal, Beyblade tournament, colouring contest, and cultural performances by artistes Amir Sisi and Acazero.

“In addition, visitors will get the chance to taste authentic Mah Meri dishes that are rarely available elsewhere, a first for any of our events. Complimentary tea will also be served to all attendees,” he said.

The event is a collaboration involving the Selangor JKKN, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Ceritera Art Association and Kampung Sungai Bumbun Orang Asli Craft Centre.

For more information, the public can visit JKKN’s social media at www.facebook.com/mysenibudaya.

-- BERNAMA