A potluck picnic in Ipoh, Perak, drew a neighbourhood closer together as residents, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, came together for the break of fast.
The event in Klebang Putra (pic), held via government allocation to foster unity, gathered over 200 residents.
“Every year for celebrations or National Day, we will use this contribution for activities involving residents,” Klebang Putra Rukun Tetangga (KPRT) chairman Mohd Rizal Mohd Rajab told Bernama.
He added that KPRT has been organising events in the community for the past six years.
Resident M. Banu, 39, was excited to join the potluck buka puasa for the first time, saying: “It strengthens the bonds that are very important for our community.”
Another resident, S. Marimuthu, 38, said he and his family received an invitation from Mohd Rizal to join.
“Activities like this strengthen unity.
“I have lived here for 10 years and am so thankful to have such good neighbours,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kinta district deputy unity officer Mohd Azlan Abdullah applauded the organisers for thinking outside the box in holding the street picnic.
He said Rukun Tetangga played a significant role in fostering neighbourliness and unity.
“I often tell RT committees, uniting people is not easy – it needs to start at the grassroots level.
“They need to guide residents in organising programmes that unite – not just food-related ones, but perhaps in terms of welfare, religious, social, sports and so on,” said Mohd Azlan.
