KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — This year’s Umno General Assembly will transform the World Trade Center into a vibrant showcase of colours, cultures and commerce.
From luxury items to budget-friendly finds, the atmosphere resembles a lively festival, attracting large crowds.
Filzah Karim of M-Slumber, which sells pre-loved clothing and casual wear, cites the increased foot traffic and positive atmosphere this year.
Filzah Karim at M-Slumber said foot traffic was high and hoped more people would turn up on the last day. – Pic by Firdaus Latif
„PAU feels good this year,” he said Malay MailState the abbreviation of General Assembly in Malay.
„I’m enjoying it. We decided to participate to see what it would be like, and the mood and the crowd are definitely great.
Stroll through the vibrant ground floor and you’ll find Liana Ghani’s booth 'Si Mane’, a riot of rich colors and traditional craftsmanship.
Liana Ghani from Si Mane shows one of her decot creations made for Umno members. – Pic by Firdaus Latif
Liana Ghani’s booth, 'Si Mane’, stands out for its rich colors and traditional craftsmanship, offering Decat and Mengguang creations such as handbags, purses and coasters.
Thegad, a style of stitching used for royalty, is made of gold threads and is known for its durability and unique look.
“It originated in Kuala Kangsar and I have been designing decad as a hobby for decades,” said Liana, who has designed decad for decades.
“Decat is well-known in Malaysia, but I dream of seeing my creations at Harrods,” he said, as he aims to redefine Deccat as a symbol of luxury, which is accessible to all. Wealthy.
Visitors take pictures with semi-automatic and automatic weapons at the Mindef booth during the 2024 Umno General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur on August 23, 2024. — Photo by Firdaus Latif
Ministry booths are prominent on the ground floor, with the Ministry of Defense attracting attention by displaying its sniper rifles and pistols, which visitors can handle and photograph. It was one of the highlights of the event.
The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development offers information on grants ranging from RM3,000 to RM5,000 and support for aspiring entrepreneurs, including equipment purchase assistance and guidance for business development.
Delegates look at batik offerings at the 2024 Umno General Assembly at the World Trade Center Kuala Lumpur on August 23, 2024. – Film by Firdaus Latif
The Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) provides guidance for further studies, including how to assess your qualifications and apply for further education.
The MoHE booth also promotes the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) and its restructuring campaign, which offers PTPTN loan settlement solutions with an initial fee of RM300.
Foreign Affairs Ministry booth highlights Malaysia’s role as ASEAN 2025 host Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is confident Malaysia will excel, with more than 200 meetings planned throughout the year.
Delegates shop at various booths during the 2024 Umno General Assembly at the World Trade Center Kuala Lumpur. August 23, 2024. – Image by Raymond Manuel
Adding to the carnival atmosphere are a variety of booths such as Soudakar Ayman Perfumes, offering luxurious Dubai fragrances, Oud Lavender fragrance priced at RM289.
„Our perfumes are crafted from high-quality ingredients,” says 44-year-old Hazri Amat.
“The most popular brand, Club Denuit, costs RM100,” he added.
Replica jersey seller Ahmed Hamid is having a tough time with bargain hunters bowling him down for the price. – Pic by Firdaus Latif
Not all vendors are thriving, says Ahmad Hamid, who sells replica football jerseys, facing slow traffic and high costs.
“Online, these jerseys go for RM60 or RM70, but I sell them for RM40-50. Still, people want to pay RM15,” lamented the 62-year-old.
„Profitability is challenging. With one more day to go, I hope we see more traffic and fewer bowlers,” he added.
Podcast come talkshow on 23 August 2024 at the Umno Women and Family Affairs Council booth in Kuala Lumpur, World Trade Centre. – Pic by Lokeswar Radhakrishnan
The Umno Women and Family Affairs Council (HAWA) conducts talk-show style interviews on family and women’s issues, adding to the event’s various offerings.
Compared to last year, the atmosphere is lively, with both vendors and visitors spending more time at the assembly instead of going elsewhere, to hotels or malls.
Live music and a variety of food trucks provide it all Sir Quay Dev Along with delicacies like kebabs, shawarmas, cakes, cookies and durians. Layer cake And Banana chips.
The UMNO General Assembly will be held until Saturday.
A general view of the food vendors and eating area at the 2024 Umno General Assembly held at the World Trade Center Kuala Lumpur on August 23, 2024. – Pic by Firdaus Latif