People gather together for the Juh Berambeh Sungkey, with food and drink spread around the mat at Padang Merdeka, Kuching. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (March 15): This year’s “Juh Berambeh Sungkey” mass iftar programme at Padang Merdeka saw an unprecedented turnout, bringing together thousands of people of different faiths in a shared experience of breaking fast, fostering unity and inclusivity.
For the first time, the event welcomed non-Muslims, reflecting Sarawak’s spirit of harmony and mutual respect.
Among the attendees was 19-year-old Nur Hazwani Mohd Talhatta, who joined three of her friends for their first-ever Juh Berambeh Sungkey.
“We really wanted to experience this together with others,” she said.
Asked if they would return next year, she responded enthusiastically: “Yes, and maybe even bring our own tent next year.”
Hazwani and her friends enjoyed the lively atmosphere, noting how the event brought together families and friends in a warm and festive setting.
Nur Hazwani (second right) together with her friends, (from left) Nurfahana Bujang, and twin sisters Syafika and Syafikah Zambri. – Photo by Aileen Yap
Similarly, other participants shared their appreciation for the event’s significance.
Debbie Lee Wun, 26, a junior assistant architect, said she valued the sense of togetherness and unity.
“It feels very One Sarawak, One Malaysia.
“Even though I’m not fasting, sitting and eating together with my Muslim friends helps me understand their experience better,” she said.
Lee also recounted her own past experience of fasting, describing the initial struggle but also the sense of accomplishment in practicing self-discipline and gratitude.
Her friend, Amelia Ton, 24, an engineer, admitted she had little idea what to expect but was pleasantly surprised.
“I thought it was just people coming together with friends and family, but it turned out to be something much more meaningful,” she said.
Photographer, Derek Teo, 24, who learned about the event through friends, echoed a similar sentiment.
“I thought people would just walk in and find a place to sit.
“I didn’t expect the setup, the tents, or the activities,” he said.
(From left) Lee, Teo and Ton feeling excited for the first ever ‘Juh Berambeh Sungkey’. – Photo by Aileen Yap
Organised by Kelab Belia Proaktif with support from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), this year’s event was the largest of its kind.
State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah praised the organisers for their efforts in strengthening community ties and fostering unity.
“We come from many different races and religions, and when we celebrate events like this, we celebrate together.
“This is what makes us unique and is one of the reasons why we are so close and united with one another.
“It is my hope that programmes like this will further strengthen the unity of the people,” he said.
He also encouraged the youths to take an active role in sustainability efforts through initiatives such as “Iftar in Unity” and “Youth Towards Sustainability”.
“Young people must become agents of change by reducing food waste, using eco-friendly materials, and participating in community clean-up activities,” he added.
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