By Izzud deen Redzuan
On every festive season, large companies would compete to produce the best ad to celebrate and cheer up the festive atmosphere with the people.
The Aidil Fitri ads have always captured the audiences’ attention and are eagerly awaited every year by Muslims especially during the final week of Ramadhan. Since in Malaysia, Aidil Fitri is celebrated together with other community of different faiths, such ads are welcomed by the non-Muslims as well.
These ads often conveyed inspirations and ideas which depict certain messages and meanings to the audiences. Some of the ads produced gave a wonderful story that touched the heart and emotion of the audience, some even made them shed their tears.
Herewith are some of the best Aidil Fitri ads by the companies in Malaysia which I would like to share. Hoping that these ads will deliver a new inspiration to the audience and enliven the festive mood and spirit as we celebrate the Aidil Fitri.
1. BERNAS | Hari Raya 2012 (The Journey)
Two special children build a beautiful relationship based on genuine care and understanding. On the eve of Hari Raya, these orphans, Ahmad and Fizi embark on a journey and encounter many challenges along the way. Through their perseverance and determination, they overcome all odds to fulfil their obligation of unconditional love. The story of a mother’s sacrifice before the Aidil Fitri should be an exemplary to others “ BERNAS.
2. PETRONAS | Hari Raya 2003 (Janda beranak tujuh)
A story about a widow, who is preparing meals for Aidil Fitri. She has seven children. The children do not want to disappoint their mother, therefore they are struggling to meet the demands of their mother. This is the best ad I have ever seen showing how obedient the children are.
“Hati, limpa semua ada Mak!”
3. PETRONAS | Hari Raya 2013 (Jahit)
 
A heartwarming story with a simple message that with hard work and diligence, good things will come “ PETRONAS.
Entitled ‘Jahit’ from PETRONAS, this is still a superb ad and will affect the audience emotionally. The story features a mother’s sacrifice before the Aidil Fitri and her intelligent daughter. Her sacrifice should be an exemplary to others.
4. Maxis | Hari Raya 2013
During Aidil Fitri, families come together, near and far, young and old. Follow the story of Aiman and Razif, two cousins from different worlds, as they discover what ‘being connected’ really means “ Maxis.
This ad features a child who desperately hides wifi modem to spend time with his cousin when he is back to the village.
5. Telekom Malaysia | Hari Raya 2013
The ad features scenario from fasting to Aidil Fitri. It conveys a message to the audience to understand the meaning of fasting before celebrating ‘victory’ in the month of Shawal. It is funny, I laughed a lot when watching this ad.
6. Telekom Malaysia | Hari Raya 2014 (Adik)
A story about an adorable young daughter in the month of Ramadhan. She will give plenty of reasons whatever she has done wrong – in a cute way.
7. Nissan | Hari Raya 2014 (Atuk)
“Atuk”, a poignant Hari Raya story of family and love. A Malaysian production, revolves around Atuk and his grandson, Man. Both take a journey, one down memory lane and the other through self-discovery. The past allows us to choose between forgetting and remembering, and with this blessed Shawal, let us choose the past that will put a smile on our faces “ Nissan.
8. USIM | Hari Raya 2014 (Syawal Tetap Syawal – 2nd Edition)
Aidil Fitri ads Entitled ‘Syawal Tetap Syawal’ has captured my attention. The idea of this video and it’s creativity is produced by Students of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) in collbaration with Strategic Communication Center (STRACOMM – USIM) as well.
The ad features a male student who is staying at hostel during the celebration of Aidil Fitri. He managed to enliven the atmosphere and his actions bring cheers to others despite  his parents had gone.
Photo courtesy of Ramdan Shah