SIBU: The ‘Lan Berambeh Sungkei’ Programme should be organised in other divisions and districts throughout the state, according to Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
The Nangka assemblyman said that the organising of such a program is not only an ‘ibadah’ for the Muslim community but also provides opportunities for the non-Muslim community to take part in the program.
“Organising such a programme is crucial for symbolising unity in our society. By allowing other communities to understand how the Muslim community fasts.
“Therefore, this programme should be established (in other areas) and continued so that our society can continue to learn from each other and foster greater understanding,” he said when met by reporters during Lan Berambeh Sungkei Programme at Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang on Saturday (April 8).
Lan Berambeh Sungkei Programme was first organised in 2017 and has become an iconic event not only for Sibu folks but also for those in nearby area to join during the month of Ramadan.
The spirit of people from all walks of life to join the program is not dampened despite the heavy rain earlier in the Saturday afternoon. A total of 10,000 individuals turned up and enlivened the event.
“It brings me great pleasure to see people from all walks of life come together for this mass potluck picnic-style breaking of fast. Such events play a crucial role in promoting racial harmony and religious tolerance among people of different backgrounds,” he said.
For future improvements to the programme, Dr Annuar suggested erecting canopies to prepare for inclement weather conditions. He had discussed this with Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting, and they agreed that erecting 100 canopies would be adequate to accommodate the large crowd.
Also present were National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Sibu Resident Wong Hee Sieng, SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley and a political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Sayed Azmee Wan Junaidi.
