Dr Akmal Gifts ‘Ong Lai’ Pineapples at His Childhood Hair Salon, Invites Stylists to CNY Open House

Smiles and laughter filled the room as UMNO Youth Chief, Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh, visited his childhood hair salon in Merlimau, Melaka, during the festive season.

The stylists immediately recognised Dr Akmal, who was a regular customer at the salon in his younger years. Sharing a lighthearted moment, he jokingly told his former stylist that he looked good today because he had the privilege of having his hair cut by her in the past.

Symbols of prosperity

The other employees soon rushed to take photographs with the UMNO Youth Chief, who also distributed pineapples to the staff as a symbol of good fortune.

In Chinese culture, particularly among the Hokkien community, the pineapple carries deep positive symbolism. The Hokkien word for pineapple is “ong lai”, which sounds like “prosperity comes” or “fortune arrives.” This cultural significance explains why pineapples are frequently used as decorations, offerings, and gifts during the Chinese New Year.

“You’ll definitely get ‘ong’ with these pineapples,” he told one of the stylists in a video shared on his Facebook page.

Community engagement and Chinese New Year open house

During his visit, Dr Akmal, who is also the Merlimau Assemblyman, took the opportunity to mingle with the staff and residents.

He also checked on the local infrastructure, ensuring that previous flooding issues in the area had been successfully resolved and were no longer a concern for the community.

Before departing, Dr Akmal extended an invitation to a Chinese New Year open house scheduled for 28 February at SJK(C) Merlimau. He recently helped to spruce up the school grounds by putting up traditional red lanterns.

“All of you must attend the open house,” Dr Akmal told the stylists.

This gesture follows his earlier efforts to decorate the entire village with red lanterns to mark the festive season, reinforcing his commitment to celebrating Malaysia’s multicultural heritage.

Also read: “My mother-in-law is Chinese” – Dr Akmal Says He Is Not Against the Chinese Community, Just DAP