10,000 throng Padang Merdeka as Bella Astillah, Syed Saddiq bring wedding celebrations to Sabah

They held a reception at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) on October 18 and a Kenduri Rakyat in Muar on October 25 before bringing the celebrations to Sabah. — Picture by Daily Express

By Malay Mail

First Published: Saturday, 31 Oct 2026 2:30 PM MYT

Last Modified: Saturday, 31 Oct 2026 2:32 PM MYT

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 31 — About 10,000 people gathered at Padang Merdeka here today for the Kenduri Rakyat of celebrity Bella Astillah and Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Daily Express reported.

Fans and well-wishers began queueing outside the venue from as early as 8am, with many dressed in traditional attire representing Sabah’s various ethnic groups.

Bella, whose real name is Dayang Ara Nabellah Awang Astillah, told the Sabah daily that guests had been encouraged, but not required, to come in traditional dress.

It was further reported that, Bella aid guests were free to wear whatever they were comfortable in, as the main aim was to celebrate the occasion together with fellow Sabahans.

Bella said she hoped the event would showcase pride in the state’s heritage, noting that Sabah is home to more than 70 ethnic groups.

She added that members of her own family were dressed in traditional Kadayan, Kadazan and Bajau Sama attire.

The couple, popularly known as BASS, married at Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur on October 10.

They held a reception at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) on October 18 and a Kenduri Rakyat in Muar on October 25 before bringing the celebrations to Sabah.