Batu pahat: Residents of Kampung Baru Sri Gading have revived their iconic gerbang pelita or oil lamp archway, which lights up the village entrance in celebration of the approaching Aidilfitri, after a two-year hiatus caused by floods during Ramadan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Head of the organising team, known as Gerbang Pelita group, or the Sumbu Gang among the locals, Mohd Azam Isnin, stated that the illuminated archway was first built in 2020 using about 1,500 traditional oil lamps as a community activity during the COVID-19 movement restrictions. The structure has since become a symbol of the village's festive atmosphere at night, particularly during the final seven nights of Ramadan, known as malam tujuh likur, indicating that Aidilfitri is drawing near.
Besides celebrating the last seven nights of Ramadan, the pelita archway is a community effort involving teenagers, youths, and veterans to revive the traditional oil lamps, which are gradually being forgotten. Mohd Azam emphasized that while many people now prefer LED or solar lights to decorate their homes and villages, they remain committed to preserving this long-standing Malay tradition. This year's structure uses about 2,600 oil lamps mounted on a sturdier steel frame costing around RM5,000, replacing the earlier wooden structure that was damaged by flooding.
The 11-metre-high installation is fuelled with diesel, with about 90 litres used each night to keep the lamps burning. "We begin lighting the lamps from 9 pm until midnight. We are proud that this gateway has become an iconic symbol of Batu Pahat and Sri Gading ahead of Syawal, and the public's enthusiasm motivates us to continue it every year," Mohd Azam added.
Meanwhile, Sri Gading Member of Parliament Aminolhuda Hassan mentioned that funding had been allocated to rebuild the structure to ensure the tradition continues and is introduced to younger generations. He noted that about 40 residents were involved in the project, which also serves as a symbol of unity, attracting visitors of different races and age groups who come to witness the unique Ramadan and Syawal display and take photographs.