KOTA KINABALU: Over 20,000 people from all walks of life thronged the Sabah International Convention Centre here to celebrate the state-level Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House on Saturday (April 5).
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who chairs the event’s organising committee, said the crowd began arriving as early as 8am, two hours before the programme officially began.
“We saw people, both locals and tourists, from various ethnic backgrounds enjoying the wide variety of food served. This event, like in previous years, is embraced by all levels of society, regardless of whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims.
“It also reflects the respect and tolerance that continue to flourish among Sabah’s diverse communities,” he said.
The event was graced by the presence of Sabah’s Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman and his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, along with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag.
During his walkabout to greet visitors, Hajiji called on Malaysians of all backgrounds to use the Hari Raya celebration as a platform to strengthen unity and understanding.
“What is special about celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Kaamatan (Harvest Festival), and Aidilfitri is that they are celebrated together, reinforcing friendship, brotherhood, and unity. This is crucial for the strength of our country,” said Shahelmey.
He added that a united society paves the way for more effective implementation of development agendas by the government.
A total of 72 food stalls offered a wide variety of dishes, including mixed rice, rojak, satay, and roasted goat, reflecting the crowd’s enthusiasm.
