Malaysian actress-singer Bella Astillah and Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman are turning their wedding into a public affair. Fresh off the announcement at the KLGCC Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, the couple confirmed two open-invite receptions, both branded 'Kenduri Rakyat' — the people's feast.
The first lands in Muar, Johor, on October 25, followed by a second in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on October 31. They come after the couple's solemnisation ceremony on October 10 at Merdeka 118, Kuala Lumpur's soaring 679-metre tower.
Syed Saddiq explained the vibe will resemble a 'rewang' — the traditional Malay custom of neighbours and family gathering to cook and celebrate together. He's expecting big numbers: past Hari Raya events in Muar have drawn up to 10,000 people, and he anticipates even more for the wedding feast. Entry is first-come, first-served, and he promised that even if the food runs out, the couple will stay to greet whoever shows up.
Bella, whose full name is Dayang Ara Nabellah Awang Astillah, is planning 10,000 souvenirs for guests across the two events. She also used the press conference to clear up a common mix-up: despite being born in Sandakan, her Sabah reception will be in Kota Kinabalu, not her hometown.
For travellers, this is a rare chance to crash — politely and legally — a celebrity wedding, Malaysian style. A kenduri is a genuine cultural experience: communal tables, rendang and rice in generous quantities, and a relaxed, festive crowd. Muar, on the banks of the Sungai Muar in northern Johor, is also one of Malaysia's underrated food towns, famous for its otak-otak (spiced grilled fish wrapped in banana leaf), mee bandung and colonial-era shophouses. Kota Kinabalu, meanwhile, is the gateway to Sabah's islands, Mount Kinabalu and some of Southeast Asia's best sunsets over the South China Sea.
If you're in either city on the right date, turn up early, come hungry, and don't expect a seat guarantee — this is very much a roll-up-and-join-in affair.
Story via Malay Mail Life.
