Underwater silat brings Raya spirit to Aquaria KLCC

2026-03-06 - 04:33

Divers performing to a backdrop of artwork by Lat as part of the ‘Ombak Tradisi Raya’ campaign at Aquaria KLCC. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR: Deep inside a 4.2m aquarium tank filled with sharks, stingrays and thousands of marine creatures, two divers step carefully across the sandy floor. With artwork by legendary cartoonist Lat forming the backdrop, they slowly raise their arms and begin a silat performance – gracefully delivering each move of the traditional Malay martial art beneath the water’s surface. Their movements are slower than on land, almost dreamlike. Every step, every swing of the arm glides through the water in near slow motion – part challenge, part spectacle. The unusual performance is among the highlights of the “Ombak Tradisi Raya” campaign at Aquaria KLCC, running until April 8. The programme brings the festive spirit of Aidilfitri into the aquarium while showcasing elements of Malaysian heritage. Professional diver Wan Hamizan Wan Roslan said adapting the martial art for an underwater setting required careful adjustments. “Normally our bodies tend to float easily, so we have to make sure the equipment we use is heavy enough to keep our movements stable underwater,” he said. “If we float too much, it becomes difficult even to walk, let alone perform silat movements.” The 33-year-old explained that performers do not use fins as in typical scuba diving. They wear only a backplate and booties so they can walk along the aquarium floor. Interestingly, Wan Hamizan – who has worked at Aquaria KLCC for eight years – does not actually have a background in silat. “I asked friends who practise silat for advice,” he said with a laugh. “But I previously learnt karate and taekwondo, so I could adapt some basic movements.” Visitors can enjoy the unique underwater performance until April 8. (Bernama pic) Another diver, Muhammad Amirul Haziq Yuzri, noted that gravity behaves differently underwater, making every move appear slower and more fluid. “On land we can move quickly, but underwater everything looks like slow motion. Even movements like back or front flips appear slower,” he said. He added that being underwater reduces force and impact while carrying out the silat moves. Amirul, 26, who has worked as a junior aquarist for the past year, gave assurance that safety is closely monitored during the performances. And although training time in the tank is limited, he said the team practises repeatedly to adapt the movements to underwater conditions. Visitors to Aquaria KLCC can also enjoy the venue’s popular Underwater Feeding Show and Otter Greetings throughout the festive season.