GEORGE TOWN: Every Ramadan, the simple but nutritious delicacy known as bubur lambuk (a type of rice porridge) is a must-have at Muslim households during the breaking of fast.
For Masjid Jamek Hashim Yahya in Jalan Perak here, it has been a tradition for over 80 years to distribute the much sought-after delicacy to the congregation and residents living nearby.
Mosque committee secretary Zambri Abdul Rahman, 43, said the mosque has been preparing the delicacy every year without fail, except in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic first broke out.
“Last year, we managed to cook the porridge following the easing of restrictions by the government. We distributed the bubur to several surau nearby,” he said when met at the mosque on Sunday.
He said this year, some 600 packs of bubur lambuk will be distributed, especially to those who come to the mosque in the evenings.
Zambri said it takes three to four people to prepare the porridge from as early as 7am. When it is ready, it will be packed between 10am and noon.
“We need 8kg of beef bones, 8kg of beef meat, mixed vegetables and an assortment of 20 spices to cook the bubur,” he said, adding that the mosque spends between RM5,000 and RM6,000 to buy the ingredients for the porridge during Ramadan.
Zambri said bubur lambuk is a staple food for those who are fasting because it is easily digestible and highly nutritious.
“The practice of giving and sharing with others is part of the Ramadan spirit which teaches Muslim humility and caring for others,” he said, adding that the effort taken to prepare the dish teaches Muslims about self-sacrifice and patience.
He said cooking bubur lambuk together at surau or mosques can help foster the spirit of togetherness among congregation members as well.
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