SIBU: Despite the rain, the Jom Berambeh Berulam programme which promoted healthy eating practices was well received with more than 1,000 people from all races attending it.
Education, Science and Technological Research Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee said the organiser initially expected about 500 to 800 people to attend the programme.
“We did not expect more than 1,000 people to turn up,” he said when met by the media at the programme held at Taman Selera Harmoni here yesterday.
The programme was organised by the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Nangka Branch Women Wing in collaboration with the Nangka Service Centre and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Dr Annuar said the event was held to find out the public response to the programme which showcased the traditional eating culture of the Malays in Sarawak.
“Judging from the overwhelming response, it can become an annual event and has the potential of attracting tourists,” he pointed out.
Earlier, PBB Nangka Women Wing deputy chief Jamilah Imit stated that the practice of berulam was good for the body because the food consisted mainly of vegetables.
“Ulam is an important part of traditional Malay dishes because several ulam ingredients are planted and some can be found growing in the wild,” she added.
Meanwhile, Councillor Ibrahim Laili said the programme was good for promoting healthy eating habits to the public.
“Ulam is good because it is made up of vegetables which can be eaten with sambal belacan.
“So, if the programme is continued in the future, it will definitely encourage the public to practise healthy eating habits,” he said.
