UMW Toyota Motor Embraces A Different Kind Of Hari Raya Aidilfitri

It is the Hari Raya Aidilfitri season again but for the year 2020, things are quite different. With the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) still in effect, UMW Toyota Motor is embracing a different kind of celebration this Hari Raya.

Because this drawback affects everyone, UMW Toyota Motor understands that many will be disappointed that they are unable to celebrate with their loved ones in their hometowns. Thus, to lift the spirits of Malaysians, the company had prepared three videos, each with its own unique approach and theme. This were shared on various social media channels, and the links are attached below for your viewing.

We are Resilient

“Drawing on Toyota’s own past experiences of difficult and challenging times, I believe that the human spirit is resilient and we will come out stronger. In the short term, things may be tough but at the end, there will be greater strength and confidence from having endured the challenges,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

The first video was posted on 6 May 2020. UMW Toyota had invited Malaysians to submit captures of themselves, observing Ramadan in their own way, while adhering to the MCO requirements to stay at home. These homemade videos were then strung together into a more complete film depicting real life scenarios and experiences of Ramadan being observed under the unique circumstances.

Adapting to a New Normal

For the Hari Raya videos, there were two different themes. The first theme was posted on 21 May. It shows a family coming to terms with the current situation, and accepting that it is a necessary sacrifice to make. While the second Raya video, shared on 25 May, featured Toyota GAZOO Racing’s celebrity racers singing the Raya classic – “Senandung Hari Raya Untukmu”, separately as they observed MCO restrictions.

The first Raya video was produced by working with a real family who actually shot the scenes themselves. The father operated the camera and lighting with the family members as the talent, and their house as the main location. Adhering to the MCO Standard Operating Procedures, production of all three videos had minimal crew present and even the director gave guidance via video calls. Social distancing was observed during filming with the exception of the family scenes since they depicted people living in the same house.

“The ultimate message of the videos is to stay strong and to continue our journey in the face of hardship. Similarly, Toyota is staying resilient by adapting to the current situation. With its e-showroom, virtual test drives, augmented reality app, and more, Toyota is making sure the public can still get its products and services while caring for the public’s safety,” said Ravindran K. President of UMW Toyota Motor. “We realise this year’s festival will be different and while many are unable to be together, we hope that Malaysians will still be able to celebrate in a meaningful way at home. On behalf of UMW Toyota Motor, we wish all our Toyota owners, customers and business associates Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!” he said.

“To all Malaysians, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and may you find peace and happiness.”