All together: People taking part in the Sungkei Perdana event in Sibu, Sarawak, last year.
SIBU: An Iban community leader, Penghulu Eddy Jemat Jelian, is anxiously looking forward to the annual Sungkei Perdana – the mass iftar (breaking of fast) held here.
Taking place at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1, this event typically draws over 10,000 attendees and has become a highly-anticipated event not only for Sibu residents but also for neighbouring communities during the holy month of Ramadan.
Scheduled for March 23 this year, Sungkei Perdana is a potluck-style picnic where both Muslim and non-Muslim participants bring their own food to share during iftar.
“I have participated in the event three times together with about 30 residents from my longhouse, Rumah Marai. This time I will be there again as I don’t want to miss it,” said Eddy, 57.
Non-Muslims here, according to Eddy are able to converge together for the event as “unity in diversity among the different races has been the hallmark of Sarawak.”
“We are like ‘abang-adik’ (siblings) even though we are of different races.
“This event fosters understanding and solidarity among attendees as well as promoting cultural exchange,” he said, adding that non-Muslims can learn and understand how Muslims fast.
Army veteran Mohamad Safree Mohamad Kassim regards it as unique that the non-Muslims here are joining the mass iftar.
“This is something very unique as people of different races could come together to break their fast. It is hard to find an event like this where more than 10,000 people from the different races and religions iftar together,” said Safree.
He estimates that approximately 500 non-Muslims participated in last year’s event, showcasing the willingness of different communities to come together in celebration and fellowship – even though the event only lasts for three hours.
Safree said this year, the joint-organisers – the Sibu Division Islamic Celebration Committee, Lakis (Sibu Muslim Welfare Trust Board), Resident’s Office and Sibu Municipal Council – are targeting 15,000 participants.
