RPA upholds tradition of presenting Hungry Ghost Fest offerings
The reason why it is organised is for the safety of our workers at the traffic, wharf and operational areas. We are also making peace with and asking the spirits to protect all those who come in and out of the port and those who conduct business with us.
SIBU: Rajang Port Authority (RPA) upholds its tradition of conducting the presentation of offerings at its wharf here, in connection with the Hungry Ghost Festival.
According to RPA general manager Datin Helen Lim, this is their annual ceremony that has been done over the ‘past 40 or 50 years’, with the intention of seeking blessings and also protection for all their workers and those doing business with them.
“The reason why it is organised is for the safety of our workers at the traffic, wharf and operational areas. We are also making peace with and asking the spirits to protect all those who come in and out of the port and those who conduct business with us.
Datin Helen Lim
“We, at the RPA, always emphasise on the safety, and I can say that the ports industry is not the safest to work in, but we must always make safety the highest priority in whatever way we can,” she told reporters here when met yesterday.
Lim said every year, the RPA management would allocate a sum to ensure proper organisation of the ceremony.
“The money would be spent on purchasing items for the offerings and also for the allowances to those who have been working under the hot sun to set up the place for the presentation.
“The people on the ground have told me that they are happy that we continue to hold this tradition. They have a sense of belonging when they work.
“So, it is not just a physical thing; it’s spiritual and mental as well,” she said.