A Different Ramadan Celebration

KUCHING – With the Movement Control Order (MCO) in place until May 12, the atmosphere of Ramadan, the hustle and the bustle of the Ramadan Bazaar and the general festive preparation for the breaking of fast, is surely missed by Muslims and non-Muslims alike, locals as well as visitors to Sarawak.

As Malaysians are practicing social distancing in a bid to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is impossible to have a physical bazaar. However, Ramadan is simply not Ramadan in Sarawak without local delicacies such as Bubur Pedas, Sarawak Laksa, Mee Kolo, Umai (raw marinated fish), Teh C Peng (three-layered iced tea) and much more.

This Ramadan, thanks to the MCO, locals need to plan ahead and cook their own buka puasa dishes or alternatively order traditional favourites through e-bazaar services and apps.

“Although this year Ramadan is celebrated differently, we will  still continue with our tradition of  donating to the poor and with the help of technology,  spread positive and inspiring messages to cheer everyone,” said Sarawak Tourism Board’s (STB), Chief Executive Officer, Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor.

“Indeed, Ramadan is a time of prayer, spiritual reflection and reaching out to aid the needy, more so during times of crisis such as this. While we stay safe at home with our families, we can also connect with friends and relatives virtually, still fostering a spirit of community bonding during this difficult time. We should continue to be grateful for we still can celebrate Ramadan with our families with food on the table,” she added.

This pandemic shall pass. To all Muslims out there, stay safe, stay at home and selamat berpuasa.