MELAKA: After fasting for more than three weeks during Ramadan, Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem is carrying that discipline into the Hari Raya Aidilfitri season by consciously moderating his food intake despite the abundance of festive dishes at open houses.
The Melaka health, human resources and unity committee chairman said the experience has strengthened his self-control, allowing him to resist overindulgence even when surrounded by rich and tempting fare.
“I have managed to control my food consumption by applying what I practised during fasting. I intend to continue this throughout Hari Raya,” he said in an interview on Sunday (March 22).
Ngwe said his demanding schedule has made it difficult to maintain a regular exercise routine, making dietary discipline even more important.
“This is also for health purposes, as I have had to miss my usual exercise due to work commitments,” he said.
What began as an effort to better understand the practice of fasting has since evolved into a more meaningful personal journey for him.
“This year marks my third attempt at observing the Ramadan fast. In the beginning, I only fasted for a few days. Last year, I managed about 14 days, and this year I completed more than 20 days,” said the Machap Jaya assemblyman.
Ngwe said he had hoped to complete the full month but had to miss several days due to prior commitments during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
“There were occasions when I had to accompany my parents and relatives to Chinese New Year open houses, so I was unable to fast on those days,” he said.
He also described waking up early for sahur (pre-dawn meal) as a new but rewarding experience.
“At first, I was simply curious about how it feels to endure hunger and thirst like my Muslim friends, but over time, it became something more meaningful than just an experience,” he said.
Ngwe added that attending buka puasa gatherings over the years encouraged him to take part more actively in fasting.
“I often attend breaking-of-fast events every year, so I thought, why not fast as well, so I can truly appreciate the moment,” he said.
