Cemeteries a hiding spot for those who refuse to fast

Compiled by C. ARUNO, JO TIMBUONG and R. ARAVINTHAN

CEMETERIES, plantations and snooker parlours are among popular haunts for errant people to enjoy their Ramadan “cheat meals” during the fasting month, Kosmo! reported.

The evaders, often known as geng plastik hitam (black plastic bag gang), would stealthily order their meals during fasting hours and eat them at these hiding spots while other Muslims continue to abstain from food and water during the day, the daily reported.

More than 100 places have been identified in Johor, Kedah and Terengganu as hiding spots and food suppliers for those who do not fast during Ramadan.

Meanwhile, religious authorities in Johor have decided not to continue the practice of transporting those caught not fasting in van jenazah (hearses) to save them the humiliation, but offenders would still have to face penalties.

> Over 50 settlers from three villages in Jerantut, Pahang, worked together to repair a damaged bridge with coconut tree trunks and forest wood on the first day of the fasting month, Utusan Malaysia reported.

One of the villagers, Mohd Zain Awang, 50, said the bridge that connects settlers living in Kampung Sungai Putat, Kampung Doja and Kampung Sungai Yap to town has suffered damage for years and worsened due to recent heavy rains and floods.

“Its foundation started to crack and sink, which made it dangerous to vehicles travelling to Jerantut town, especially students studying in Felda Padang Piol, ” he said.

Even after repairing the bridge, Mohd Zain said they still worry that the structure might not last long, especially when it is often used by vehicles carrying loads of rubber and oil palm fruit.

He said he hopes the government would step in and build a stronger bridge.

> After courting controversy by removing her hijab and posting a provocative photo taken in a bathtub, actress and singer Nonny Nadirah is now seeking forgiveness for her action, Harian Metro reported.

In conjunction with Ramadan, she also asked her fans to pray for only the best for her and reminded them to faithfully observe their religious obligations.

Despite her controversial acts, Nonny is not fazed by any of criticisms she received and accepts them with an open heart.

“I am the one who is flawed and everyone will be tested differently, ” she said.

The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.