Sibu’s iconic mass breaking of fast to be held on March 23

The iconic ‘Sungkei Perdana’ (mass breaking of fast) will be held at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 here on March 23.

In this regard, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee invited all townsfolk, irrespective of background, to join the mass potluck picnic-style breaking of fast.

“The ‘Sungkei Perdana’ is a hallmark of racial unity and religious harmony in Sarawak, particularly in Sibu.

“We would like to invite everybody – Muslims and nonMuslims – to join us for this event on the evening of March 23,” he said.

Some 10,000 people are expected to converge on Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1 here for this year’s event.

“The annual mass potluck-style picnic has successfully attracted an increasing number of people each year,” added the Nangka assemblyman.

The event, which started in 2017, has continued to strengthen the racial unity and religious harmony among the various communities here.

Besides the ‘Sungkei Perdana’ event, the unique interfaith gathering is another brainchild of Dr Annuar, which is aimed at promoting and strengthening religious harmony and tolerance.

The gathering was first held in 2015 at An-Nur Mosque, and since then had become a yearly event as well.

Meanwhile, Dr Annuar, who is Sibu Muslim Welfare Trust Board (Lakis) chairman, said a total of RM205,000 was handed out to 41 suraus and mosques here on Monday.

“The total amount of contribution distribution was the same as previous years.

“From the RM205,000, RM164,000 was channelled from the allocation under Nangka Service Centre and RM41,000 from Lakis,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Adding on, Dr Annuar explained that the amount was not only distributed to suraus and mosques in Nangka, but also those across Sibu.

“Some 41 recipients each received a total of RM5,000, of which RM4,000 came from the allocation under Nangka Service Centre and RM1,000 from Lakis.

“The contribution is for them to run activities during Ramadan, which starts today (March 12).”

In addition, Dr Annuar informed that An-Nur Mosque is being upgraded to provide more convenience to congregants.