Pelita Raya Festival’s Giant Oil Lamp Earns Malaysia Book Of Records Title

ALOR SETAR, March 18 (Bernama) -- The largest Pelita Raya Festival currently lighting up Taman Jubli Emas here made history last night when its giant oil lamp replica earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR).

The certificate recognising the festival’s giant oil lamp as the ‘Largest Functional Lampu Pelita’ was officially handed to organiser Azhani Osman by MBR representative Megat Faris Hussein Megat Muzaffar Shah, in the presence of Kedah Tourism, Culture and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin.

Azhani, who is also the Assistant Manager of AA Global Enterprise, aid he was thrilled that the inaugural largest oil lamp festival had captivated visitors while also earning recognition from MBR, thanks to the creation of a giant oil lamp measuring 13.6 metres high, 20 metres wide, and 65 metres in circumference.

“My original goal was to break the record for the largest oil lamp in Malaysia, which was previously held by Suria KLCC, so we decided to make it even bigger. I am truly grateful that we succeeded in setting a new national record.

“With the support of the state government, I plan to submit an application to Guinness World Records to try and surpass the current record held by Canada,” he told reporters at Taman Jubli Emas last night.

Meanwhile, Megat Faris Hussein said MBR had received an application from the organiser to create a replica of the largest oil lamp, after which several steps were undertaken before the recognition could be officially granted.

“Before this, there were a few replicas, but none were functional. Tonight’s oil lamp is fully lit using diesel fuel, and with its height of 13.6 metres, width of 20 metres, and circumference of 65 metres, it is officially the largest functional oil lamp in Malaysia.

“The organiser is planning to apply to GWR , and from what we’ve seen, this giant lamp might beat the current record in Canada. We’re happy to assist because because we also want to showcase Malaysia on the world stage,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Salleh expressed pride in Azhani, a native of Yan, Kedah, for his achievements, saying they help highlight Kedah as a leading cultural tourism destination for this year’s Ramadan and Aidilfitri celebrations.

“This also helps boost the state’s tourism. I’d like to invite all Malaysians returning home for Raya to come and see this giant oil lamp for themselves. Don’t miss the chance to take photos and videos, it’s a truly unique sight,” he said.

The festival, said to be the largest of its kind in Malaysia, runs from March 10 to 29 and features replicas inspired by Malay and Kedah heritage, built using about 6,000 metal oil lamps. The displays revive the nostalgic tradition of malam tujuh likur ahead of the arrival of Syawal.

Visitors will be able to enjoy 11 traditional replicas crafted from oil lamps, featuring landmarks such as the Zahir Mosque, Alor Setar Tower, a keris, and an airplane.

Open daily from 7.30 pm to midnight, the festival also features attractions such as floral light displays, fire performances, children’s games and an oil lamp museum.

Admission tickets are priced at RM10 for adults and RM5 for children, and visitors will also have a chance to participate in a lucky draw offering a BMW 3 Series as the grand prize.

-- BERNAMA