GEORGE TOWN: First came the fire engine and a spray of water, with firemen hosing down 40 boys, to the laughter and cheers of their neighbours.
Only after that did the medical team step in as the boys underwent a mass circumcision ceremony at the Kampung Melayu flats in Air Itam during the school holidays.
The annual programme, organised by the village community management council, involved boys aged four to 12.
Circumcision is a religious obligation for Muslim males, in which the foreskin is removed, with the procedure also widely adopted for medical or hygiene reasons.
The dousing of the boys with water from the fire engine was meant to help them relax and take their minds off what lay ahead.
The circumcisions were carried out by medical officers at the flats’ community hall, taking about 15 minutes for each child.
Upon completion, they were given snacks and souvenirs.
Organising chairman Shah Ibrahim, 51, said the programme has been held every year for more than 10 years, and was timed to coincide with the year-end school holidays.
“This is a community effort to help families fulfil an important religious obligation in a safe and supportive setting.
“At private clinics, the procedure usually costs between RM200 and RM300, but here parents only pay RM40 per child.
“This helps families with more than one child. We include meals and activities so the children feel comfortable and supported.”
Among the boys were brothers Muhammad Firas Ikhwan Muhammad Fuad, five, and Muhammad Firman Irfan Muhammad Fuad, four.
Their mother Munirah Md Ali, 29, from Paya Terubong, said she registered her sons after hearing about the programme from friends and neighbours.
“I wanted them to go through this together so they wouldn’t feel scared.
“At a clinic, it feels very clinical, but here, it feels more like a community event.
“They get to play, meet other children and take part in activities, which helps distract them.”
Five-year-old Muammar Mirza Mazlan said the experience was frightening at first but ended quickly.
He was accompanied by his seven-year-old brother, who also underwent the procedure.
“I was scared when I laid on the bed. The officers talked to me and told me it would be quick.
“Before I could cry, it was already finished,” he said, adding that it felt like a short sting.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng was present to officiate the event.
