Dr Annuar (third from right) visiting a villager in Kampung Baru during the ‘Ketuk Sahur’ programme.
The “Ketuk Sahur” tradition, observed exclusively during Ramadan, is being practised in the Nangka constituency in Sibu, Sarawak. Besides community unity, it strengthen ties among people of diverse backgrounds.
Organised by the Nangka Service Centre in collaboration with the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), this year’s programme was made more inclusive with the participation of non-Muslim communities.
Led by Sarawak Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, the event started in the early morning on March 6 with 20 participants having sahur (pre-dawn meal) at the home of a non-Muslim community leader in Kampung Nangka.
“Hosting the event at the home of a non-Muslim community member reflects the strong racial and religious harmony within Sibu and Sarawak as a whole,” said Dr Annuar, who is Nangka assemblyman, according to Bernama.
The term “Ketuk Sahur”, derived from the word ketuk-ketuk, refers to the tradition of tapping on wood or drums to create a rhythmic melody – a non-verbal method used to wake the community for sahur.
This Ramadan, the programme has expanded its reach, delivering sahur meals to 250 homes across 10 locations within the Nangka constituency.
On March 7, the programme, which ran from 4am to 5.30am, continued in Kampung Baru, where 25 homes received sahur meals.
Besides strengthening community bonds, the visits allowed Dr Annuar to engage with residents and assess local needs, including improving public amenities such as street lighting and road conditions.
