Sibu Town Square mega ‘buka puasa’ expects to host 6,000 people this year

SIBU: The mass ‘ buka puasa’ ( break- of- fast) gathering on the open compound at Sibu Town Square this year is expected to gather some 6,000 people.

Ac c or d ing to As si s t ant Minister of Housing and Public Health Dr Annuar Rapaee, the event on May 26 will take place on Dataran Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Tuanku Osman, commencing at 6pm.

The mega ‘ buka pua s a’ gathering, which enters its second year this Ramadan, is jointly hosted by Sibu Resident’s Office, Nangka state constituency service centre and al l local Mus l im non- governmental organisations ( NGOs).

“This event is organised in such a magnitude, in that it is meant to strengthen racial and religious harmony further.

“It will be potluck picnic- style event– free and easy, where no registration is required to participate.

“We invite people from al l walks of life to come and join us. I also hope to see more nonMuslims joining us this year,” Dr Annuar, who is Nangka assemblyman, told reporters after briefing the 173 Ramadan stal l traders at Sibu Muslim Welfare Trust Board ( Lakis) hall here yesterday.

Adding on, he said the working committee would provide the drinks, ‘ bubur pedas’ ( local savoury stew) , and ‘ kurma’ (dates) for ‘ buka puasa’.

“Maghrib prayer wil l also be conducted there. Moreover, there wil l also be a ‘ meriam b u l u h’ ( b amb o o c a n o n ) competition,” he said.