East meets West in National Integration programme
About 80 Neighbourhood Committee Watch (KRT) members from Sabah, Labuan, and Sarawak took part in a ‘National Integration’ programme in Ipoh, Perak, from Aug 26 to Sept 1.
It was organised by the National Unity and Integration Department (NUID) in conjunction with the 57th Independence Day celebration.
The participants from Sarawak were led by NUID Sibu assistant officer Jendri Mangku, while NUID Sabah assistant officer Emie Manja led those from Sabah.
In Ipoh, they stayed for three nights with their adopted families, who are members of KRTs there.
A participant, Kristina Ilam Chundau, 26, said she enjoyed her three- day stay with her adopted Malay family in Kampung Tengku Hussein, Ipoh.
Kristina, who works at the Chief Minister’s Department, praised the adoption programme for promoting cultural exchange in a multi-racial society.
“My adopted family learned something about Sarawakians, and I also learned something from them.
“I like the ‘sambal belacan’ and ‘ tom yam’ served by my adopted family members,” she said.
Jannet Bujang, 32, was another participant who stayed with her adopted family in Tambun, Ipoh.
“The programme was packed with activities, but we really enjoyed our stay there,” she said, adding she got to learn many new Malay cooking recipes from her adopted family.
For Penghulu Ling Leh Ing, it was a learning experience not only from her adopted family but also from other participants, particularly the Sabahans.
“Now I know the Malays cook ‘lemang’, ‘wajik’, and some other traditional delicacies,” she said.
In Perak, the participants visited Kellie’s Castle, Pasir Salak Historical Complex, Felcra Seberang Perak and a traditional Malay cakes maker in Kampung Gajah.
They were also involved in a ‘gotong royong’ to cook ‘ wajik’, ‘ lemang’ and ‘gulai tempoyak’, and participated in telematch games.
On Aug 31, they joined thousands to watch the Independence Day parade at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur, before returning to their respective states.