By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, March 4: The upcoming ‘Juh Berambeh Sungkei 2025’, a breaking-of-fast event at Padang Merdeka in Kuching on March 15, is set to be the largest yet, with an open invitation to people of all faiths to foster unity and interfaith harmony.
Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, stated that the event has grown significantly over the years, with an estimated 3,000 participants expected this year.
He also highlighted that although ‘sungkei’, is a practice observed by Muslims during Ramadan, the event welcomes non-Muslim participants to experience and appreciate the significance of ‘iftar’.
‘Sungkei’ is a uniquely Sarawakian term for breaking fast, similar to ‘iftar’ in other parts of Malaysia.
“We know that many of our friends who are not Muslims sometimes join us for fasting, and there is nothing wrong with holding an iftar together in one place.
“This gathering will allow people of different faiths to experience the beauty of sharing and understanding each other’s traditions,” he said during a press conference held at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II in Petra Jaya here today.
Themed ‘Iftar in Unity’ and ‘Youth in Sustainability,’ this year’s ‘Juh Berambeh Sungkei’ is organised by Kelab Belia Proaktif with support from MYSED, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Kuching Resident Office, and Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
Unifor’s involvement, Abdul Karim said, further reinforces Sarawak’s mission of interfaith collaboration.
Apart from breaking fast together, the event will promote sustainability initiatives such as recycling programmes and responsible waste management. STB will also introduce a solar charging station for attendees.
Abdul Karim, who is also Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), further encouraged attendees to bring their own food, following the tradition of past years. However, food donations are welcome for those who wish to contribute.
“The response in previous years has been overwhelming, and I hope this year’s event will be equally successful.
“We are grateful for the support of DBKU, Unifor, STB, and other agencies in making this event happen,” he added.
Also present at the press conference was Unifor director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau. — DayakDaily
