SIBU: The wet condition of Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang did not deter Sibu folks from gathering for the town’s iconic event, the Lan Berambeh Sungkei programme which was held on Saturday (April 8).
The crowd had swelled and engulfed the entire area by 6 pm and an estimated total of 10,000 individuals attended the programme from various walks of life.
During the programme, New Sarawak Tribune managed to obtain some feedback from the crowd on their opinion regarding the programme as well as their experience attending it
They said the mass potluck picnic-style breaking-of-fast, which first started in 2017, has continued to strengthen the racial unity and religious harmony among the various communities here.
The mass breaking-of-fast event also gave a better understanding as well as an opportunity to the non-Muslim community regarding the practices of the Muslim community. Therefore, they hoped that the programme would be continued and expanded in the future.
ABDUL GHANI SULHI, 51
Civil Servant
Thank God, I was able to participate once again with my family in this programme. This programme is a source of pride for us. Through this programme, we can have breaking-of-fast with the residents or the community in Sibu and people from various ethnicities regardless can also participate. In fact, it was also joined by residents from nearby districts such as Mukah, Kanowit and so on.
FADHIL FAKHRULLAH SUHAILI, 20
Student
Even though this is my first time joining this programme, it is a very good event which promotes the Muslim community as it can create understanding regarding our practice to other communities. My hope for this programme is for it to be able to continue in the coming years and to be maintained by the parties in power.
PENGHULU CHUA HIONG KEE, 70
Member of Teo Chew Association Sibu.
This is a very meaningful (event) because, through this breaking-of-fast programme, we understand the practice of our Muslim community, which is ‘puasa’. We must respect and feel a great honour to be invited to join together with them because we share this harmony in Sibu during this fasting time. That’s why we thank Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee for giving us a chance to understand the practice of our Muslim friends. I hope that in the future more non-Muslim communities join this programme just like what our association did.
CAROLINE OKTAVIA GERUNA, 27
Entrepreneur
In my opinion, it is a good programme to join either with your family or your friends. I can say that being far from Sibu, this is one of the events I miss participating in. The mass potluck picnic-style breaking-of-fast is not only a way to spend time with your family or friends but also a way to learn and participate in the culture and practices of the Muslim community. We can better understand each other and that is important as we are living in a multi-racial country.
