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28 Mar 2025
5 Min Read
Afrina Arfa (Alumni Columnist), Nellie Chan (Editor)
This Hari Raya, we weigh in on the duit raya debate—has it remained a priceless tradition, or does it now come with a price tag?
As the month of Ramadan draws to a close, families across Malaysia begin preparing for the festive celebrations of Hari Raya. An array of baju raya—often colour-coordinated within families—is purchased for each day of the celebrations, and an assortment of kuih raya is baked in anticipation of open houses and reunions. Yet, among all these beloved traditions, one stands out as the most eagerly awaited, especially by children and, in some cases, unmarried individuals: duit raya.
For those receiving duit raya, it is a highlight of the celebrations. However, for those giving, it brings a different reality: the expectation to give. What was once a simple gesture—meant to strengthen ties between families and ease financial burdens—has now become more complex, turning into a widely debated topic. Both online and offline, friends and family discuss the 'appropriate' amount to give or receive, with some even viewing the amount as a symbol of financial status. As posts comparing total earnings and setting minimum baselines go viral, an important question arises: Has duit raya evolved from a tradition to a monetary transaction?
While most of us associate duit raya with green envelopes, this tradition is a relatively recent addition to the long-standing practice of giving during Eid—or Hari Raya, as we know it. Its origins can be traced back to the Fatimid dynasty, which established the practice of giving gifts during Eid. Later, under the Mamluk dynasty, the sultanate would give gold or silver coins to soldiers, princes, and others in his service as gifts for Eid. Over time, under the Ottoman dynasty, the practice expanded to giving money and gifts to children. This tradition became known as Eidiya, derived from the Arabic words 'Eid' (festival) and 'Hadiyah' (gift).
In Malaysia, the practice of giving gifts during Hari Raya initially involved items such as food, household goods, and other essentials, while duit raya was given, if at all, in the form of uncovered coins. This tradition is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, which taught the virtue of charity, as written in many verses of the Quran. However, it was not until the 1980s, during a period of rapid economic development and modernisation, that duit raya took the form of banknotes in green envelopes. This adaptation reflects a blend of Malay and Chinese cultural influences, particularly in the practice of giving money in envelopes, similar to the Chinese tradition of ang pao.
Following the shift in the 1980s, the tradition of duit raya continued to adapt alongside technological advancements. Social media, in particular, has accelerated this shift, with viral discussions about the 'appropriate' amount to give or receive, as well as public displays of duit raya earnings. This has contributed to a growing culture of commercialisation and comparison. Reflecting broader economic trends, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported that RM10 has remained the most common duit raya amount since 2000. However, when adjusted for inflation, this figure would be approximately RM16.38 in 2024.
At the same time, digitalisation has further shifted the tradition, aligning with the culture of convenience. With the introduction of QR wallets and e-Duit Raya, individuals can now share their digital wallet details to receive duit raya electronically, bypassing traditional face-to-face gatherings and physical exchanges. In 2017, Maybank reported RM1.3 million in transactions via My Raya QR. As such, money has increasingly become the focal point of the tradition, overshadowing its original intent of charitable giving and personal connection.
The shift from tradition to transaction in duit raya has led to several significant consequences, affecting not only the practice itself, but also the broader financial, social, and cultural fabric. The increasing pressure to give larger amounts during Hari Raya has placed a considerable strain on individuals, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. Expectations surrounding 'appropriate' amounts create a competitive environment where the tradition becomes less about generosity and more about keeping up with others.
This shift also exacerbates social stratification as the financial disparities between different socioeconomic groups become more pronounced during Hari Raya. Those unable to give substantial amounts may feel, or be made to feel, a sense of inadequacy. The tradition now risks reinforcing social inequalities, as individuals are evaluated not by the goodwill of their gift but by its monetary value.
The commercialisation of duit raya has also undermined its underlying cultural values. What was once a tradition based on charity, humility, and respect has evolved into a financial transaction where the emphasis is placed on the amount given rather than the gesture itself. This shift in focus not only detracts from the spirit of the practice but also diminishes the sense of cultural identity for younger generations, who may no longer understand the value of the tradition beyond its monetary component.
Therefore, to preserve the essence of duit raya, it is important to redefine the purpose of the tradition and encourage a return to its charitable roots. Setting personal boundaries and resisting the societal pressure to give beyond one's means can help reduce the financial strain associated with the practice. Educating the next generation on the values of gratitude and generosity, rather than fostering a sense of entitlement or expectation, is equally essential.
So, this Hari Raya, are we keeping the tradition alive or merely meeting expectations? Duit raya was never meant to be a measure of wealth, yet commercialisation, comparison, and convenience have turned it into one. When the focus shifts away from sincere giving, the heart of the tradition—gratitude, generosity, and genuine connection—is lost. If this continues, will future generations value duit raya for its meaning or see it as just another financial obligation?
It's time to return to what truly matters. Generosity comes from the heart, not the wallet. Instead of fixating on amounts, let's remember—and remind the next generation—that Hari Raya is about togetherness and strengthening bonds. After all, traditions last when we uphold their spirit, not when we reduce them to transactions.
From my family to yours, Selamat Hari Raya!
Afrina Arfa is a Bachelor of Finance and Economics (Honours) alumna of Taylor's University. She spends her time indulging in economic news, hoping to inspire others to think beyond the constraints of society.
