The best Hari Raya 2022 commercials to watch right now

Well, it’s that time of the year again when Malaysian companies publish their Raya-themed advertisements (ads) for us to laugh, cry, and enjoy watching. Normally, it would be companies like Petronas and TNB that would come out with inspiring and creative sketches, but this year, the others have stepped up their game as well.

This made my life of choosing the best ads to fill this list that much more difficult. We have a mixture of themes, ranging from purely comedic to tear-jerking stories. Without further ado, here are Raya ads that made this year’s list:

Last Kopek – Maxis

Maxis decided to showcase the value of friendship in their Raya ad for this year. Friends make our lives so much easier that we often take them for granted. It’s only when they are gone, that we figure out the impact they had on our lives. So this Raya, forgive the few mistakes that your friends made as it pales in comparison to all the times they lifted you up.

Ini Iklan Raya baru, tau? – Julie’s Biscuits

Given that a woman represents the brand logo for Julie’s Biscuits, it is only fair that their Raya ad revolves around women appreciation. The whole ad was about breaking the typical stereotype of a Raya ad. The script was written to match the comical storyboard style and it got me laughing all the way through. I found the product placement was clever where the director munches on a love letter wafer which would normally be a cigarette.

This year’s ad was the second instalment of Julie’s Biscuits Raya ad series. For 2021, it was the same actor playing the role of the director, facing similar stereotypical issues regarding women in Raya ads. It was also a laugh, and you can check it out here.

Raya Macam Cara – TNB

Every part of Malaysia has a different way of celebrating Raya. It can be using a different recipe to cook the same dish or the way you seek forgiveness from your elders. TNB perfectly illustrates the idea of how these differences can bring diversity during a family gathering. It’s a light-hearted and comedic story told from the perspective of children.

I especially like how TNB used the all-electric Nissan Leaf to showcase their product – electricity.

Rezeki Memori – Samsung

Samsung’s Raya ad is based on true events and revolves around being there for your family. The ad reminds us not to forget our loved ones else they will only have past memories to cherish.

The ad itself is simple with just a handful of actors and minimal camera gear since Samsung says the story was filmed on a Galaxy S22 Ultra. Despite that, the well-written story still manages to deeply move you.

Syukur 1 Syawal – Celcom

The best part about Raya for kids is the duit Raya that they get from elders, which can be used to buy all the things they wish for. Celcom’s ad shows that Raya is not so much about receiving than it is about giving back. What started out as a comedic sketch quickly took a sharp, emotional turn to remind us of what Raya really means.

Sadaqah – Taylor’s University

This Raya ad from Taylor’s University is well thought out and written. It dives into the morals of donating, but in this case, it’s not about money, but about giving people an opportunity to improve their lives. Without spoiling too much, the story starts out with a homeless man asking for free food, which he is graciously served. But instead of allowing him to leave, the owner requests him to clean the dishes.

In the beginning, he didn’t understand what the owner was actually trying to do. It was only later he realises that she was only trying to enrich his life.

Lebaran Penuh Kesyukuran – Hong Leong Bank

It’s true that not every Raya celebration will go according to plan. Sometimes, family members can’t make it back home or the electricity goes out. But Hong Leong’s Raya ad reassures us that it’s alright because there is no problem that we can’t solve as a family.

Combined with the right mix of humour and seriousness, it had me smiling throughout its brief but impactful 3 min video.

Ayahku Cina – Seng Cars World

This emotional story is based on a true story that revolves around a Chinese father adopting a Malay daughter after she lost her parents. But that didn’t stop them from being a happy family. Seng Cars World managed to tell a good story about unity and unconditional love regardless of race, religion and background.

That said, whoever was supposed to be in charge of the subtitles really messed up.

Kota Raya – UMW Toyota

Here’s another example of making a meaningful Raya ad with a minimal cast, in this case, it’s two. This story by UMW Toyota shows the importance of appreciating your family and sharing the joys of Raya celebration with them. The protagonist of this story refuses to visit his family because of a reason that we all can relate to. Watch the video to find out!

Ke Pangkuan – Mr DIY

This emotional ad by Mr DIY tells a story about a mother and daughter who were forced to be separated so that the daughter can have a better life. However, the daughter mistook this for her mother not caring. The core message here is not to make assumptions without knowing the whole story.  

3 Abang Garang– Shopee

Despite not showing any core values of Raya, it was still entertaining to watch thanks to the great performance from the cast. It’s a good lesson about not being quick to judge someone without getting to know them first.

Among these, my favourites were by Julie’s Biscuits and Taylor’s University. Sound off in the comments which ads were your favourite. Were there any Raya advertisements we might have missed that are worth sharing? Let us know in the comments as well.