KUCHING: A large-scale iftar (breaking of fast) event will be held here next week, celebrating Sarawak's unity and diversity by bringing people from various backgrounds together.
State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the "Juh Berambeh Sungkei" event at Padang Merdeka on March 15 reflected Sarawak's spirit of inclusivity, mutual respect and understanding.
Sungkei is the Sarawak Malay word for breaking fast.
"This is not a religious event but a breaking of fast event.
"Although fasting is a religious obligation for Muslims during Ramadan, we know that many of our friends who are not Muslims sometimes join in fasting.
"It is not wrong for us to hold a breaking of fast gathering for all," he told a press conference on Tuesday (March 4).
Karim said the event was organised by Kelab Belia Proaktif with the dual themes of "Iftar in Unity" and "Youth in Sustainability".
He said it was supported by the ministry and the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
"With the support of Unifor, this event will stand as a shining example of Sarawak's commitment to religious harmony and social cohesion," he said, adding that people from all faiths were welcome to attend.
The event will also feature sustainability initiatives, including solar charging stations, plastic bottle collection for recycling, and food waste collection.
Unifor director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau welcomed the event's emphasis on unity and sustainability.
"Although we come from different racial and religious backgrounds, we can sit down and eat together.
"This youth-led initiative shows that unity and harmony begin at a young age," she said.
