Malaysians In Belgium Celebrate Culture At Jom Lepak
By S. Chandravathani
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- The rich flavours, vibrant colours and lively rhythms of Malaysia came alive in Leuven as the Malaysian Association of Belgium and Luxembourg (MABL) hosted its ‘Jom Lepak 2026’ festival on May 16 at HAL 5, attracting more than 300 visitors.
MABL President Sarah Vanherck said the venue was transformed into a bustling Malaysian-style marketplace offering popular local delicacies such as nasi lemak, rendang, roti canai, murtabak, Penang mee goreng, vadai and traditional kuih-muih.
Visitors also had the opportunity to savour tropical fruits including mangosteen, rambutan, dragon fruit and guava, she said.
pic-2
Vanherck added that the celebration also highlighted East Malaysian heritage through Sabah’s Pesta Kaamatan, featuring an energetic Sumazau dance performance by D’Borneon Hornbills, a group made up of Sabahan expatriates and their children.
“Batik fashion was also showcased by BE MY Batik and Anggun Batik, while a ‘Kedai Runcit Malaysia’ corner featured nostalgic favourites, everyday Malaysian snacks and cooking essentials,” she told Bernama recently.
She said the event, officiated by Leuven Deputy Mayor Dirk Vansina, also supported the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign through tourism video screenings highlighting the natural beauty of Sabah and Sarawak.
pic-3
Vanherck said the festival reflected the strong identity of Malaysians living abroad and their continued efforts to share the country’s heritage, flavours and traditions with the wider community.
Meanwhile, Vansina described the gathering as a meaningful platform for Malaysians and expatriates to reconnect with their roots while celebrating the country they now call home, noting that Leuven’s multicultural environment continued to embrace cultural exchange and strengthen community ties through such events.
He added that initiatives like Jom Lepak helped foster greater mutual understanding and appreciation among the city’s diverse communities.
-- BERNAMA
