JOHOR BARU: Some 2,400 people ate their way into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) by tucking into “kacang pool”, a Middle Eastern-inspired dish popular in Johor.
The feat was achieved on the second day of the National Unity Week event yesterday, marking the National Unity Ministry’s second time making it into the record books, said Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang.
“Last year, we broke the record for having the most participants wearing ethnic attire in an event during the Unity Week celebration in Kuching.
“This year, we did it with the most number of people eating kacang pool.
Say cheese!: Participants in the kacang pool eating session are all smiles as they enjoy the dish. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
“Food unites us, and kacang pool is a dish that is popular in the country, especially Johor,” he said, adding that this was the first time National Unity Week was held in the peninsula.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officiate the National Unity Week celebration here tonight.
The four-day event would have attracted some 200,000 people, Aaron told the media before joining the record-breaking eating session.
For the kacang pool record attempt, the ministry had initially expected 1,500 participants but exceeded it with some 2,400 people.
Among them was retiree Ng Tiong Huat, 70, who came all the way from Ayer Hitam, Batu Pahat, to take part.
“I left Ayer Hitam at about 7am. I must say this was a very good first-time experience for me,” he said.
“I love how lively the atmosphere was throughout the event,” he said, adding that it was also his first time trying kacang pool.
Student Nurul Iman Rafael, 14, said she came to the event by bus from Kulai with 40 others.
“I am here with my family, friends and neighbours.
“This is the first time any of us had taken part in such an event and I am glad I got to join in,” she said.
“Hopefully, there’ll be another chance to experience a similar event in the future,” she added, saying that she enjoyed the dish.
