Sarawak to bring 20,000 together for record breaking of fast event in Sibu

AT least 20,000 people from all faiths and racial backgrounds are expected to gather in the central town square in Sibu (pic) in central Sarawak this Saturday for the biggest ever multi-faith ‘buka puasa’ (breaking of fast) in the state.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee today announced that the mammoth event will be organised by the federal National Unity and National Integration Department, Sibu Islamic Festival Standing Committee and the Nangka state constituency Gabungan Parti Sarawak service centre.

Dr Annuar, who is Nangka assemblyman, said federal National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Dagang is expected to attend.

"We (the organising partners) are bringing together about 20,000 people from all walks of life and religions for this buka puasa in Sibu this Saturday.

"It will be held picnic-style and members of the public are welcomed to join in freely. It is going to be a massive gathering of unity and harmony. We will celebrate buka puasa (around 6.45pm) as one united society," he told the media in Sibu.

This Saturday's mammoth breaking of fast event in Sibu will be held simultaneously with another similar buka puasa event in Kuching.

It was reported early this month that this Saturday will also see Kuching staging a big breaking of fast public gathering that will see people of all faiths joining their Muslim friends.

Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Karim Hamzah had said on Mar 3 that several non-governmental organisations will come together to celebrate the unique event.

"The multifaith gathering for buka puasa will be held on March 15 at Padang Merdeka in state capital Kuching. At least 3,000 people from all faiths and races are expected to attend to buka puasa with their Muslims friends in a celebration of harmony and togetherness," he told a press briefing in Kuching that day.

His ministry, he  said, is liaising with the main organisers made up of Kelab Belia Proaktif, Kuching North City Hall, Sarawak Tourism Board, Kuching Resident Office and Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).

Abdul Karim said it is a tradition for non-Muslims to enjoy the buka puasa atmosphere by buying the delicious array of food at bazaars everywhere.

What is unique in Sarawak is that people of all faiths even attend such breaking of fast in one venue, he said. – March 13, 2025