KUCHING: Sarawak will hold Hari Raya Aidilfitri open houses on a moderate scale this year, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the Federal Government's directive to cancel open houses did not apply to Sarawak.
"When it comes to open houses, we will do it moderately, for example by having a smaller menu and not spending lavishly.
"The Federal Government can come up with its own directive, but for the Sarawak government and state agencies, we have our own way of looking at things," he told reporters on Monday (March 16).
Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered federal agencies and government-linked companies not to hold Raya open houses this year due to the economic impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
He said there was a need for more prudent spending, adding that overseas trips should also be reduced.
Karim said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg will not hold an open house this year as he is still in mourning for his late wife Puan Sri Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang, who passed away in June.
However, he said Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was expected to hold an open house.
"Other state ministers, myself included, will also be holding open houses. After one month of fasting, it is only proper that we celebrate by having open houses and we want to share it with the other communities in Sarawak," he added.
Karim also said Sarawak's major events, including the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), will proceed as planned this year.
"When we organise events, they should be full swing and not scaled down.
"If it's RWMF, we want the performers to be showing their best," he said.
