Sibu's huge community potluck is back

A LARGE Ramadan potluck will be taking place again this year in Sibu, Sarawak, with the aim of strengthening community bonds and attracting visitors from other parts of the country and neighbouring countries like Brunei and Indonesia.

The 8th edition of the event called "Lan Berambeh Sungkei" is scheduled for March 7 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase I, with an expected turnout of 25,000 people.

The event was first introduced in 2017.

Sibu Division Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman said "Lan Berambeh Sungkei" which means "let's break fast together" in the local dialect, will start at 4pm.

Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase

He said potluck concept was in line with local tradition or sharing food.

He said the visitor target was realistic due to the rising numbers every year, reflecting the strong spirit of togetherness.

The programme was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he added.

"Last year, we recorded more than 20,000 attendees, up from over 15,000 in the previous edition," he said at a press conference.

The part worth remembering

Collaboration with the Sibu Division Islamic Festival Standing Committee, Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee's service centre and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Sarawak enhanced promotional efforts, with the event also chosen as the closing venue for the RTM Sarawak Ramadan Tour this year.

Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is expected to attend as guest of honour.

Dr Annuar, the state Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister who pioneered the event, is also expected to attend.

The mass iftar, scheduled for 6.47pm, will begin with the symbolic beating of the beduk (drum) by the guest of honour.

Festival Standing Committee Nangka

Aside from dishes brought by attendees, there will also be a variety of traditional fare such as bubur pedas, bubur lambuk, mi kolok and nasi ayam from Ramadan and charity stalls.

"The programme will also feature a range of activities like a bedil competition, teter beduk competition, traditional costume competition, Quran hour, asnaf donation ceremony and a Rahmah Sale," said Abang Mohamad Porkan.

He added that the event would also benefit the hospitality sector, small enterprises and local food industry.

"If consistently strengthened and promoted, it has the potential to become an iconic celebration, reinforcing Sibu's standing as a cultural and community tourism destination in the region," he added.

Last year, we recorded more than 20,000 attendees, up from over 15,000 in the previous edition.

Where this fits

For all the noise around launches and policy shifts, the pattern that matters most is repetition: one company acts, others follow, and eventually the exception becomes the rule.

The short version

A LARGE Ramadan potluck will be taking place again this year in Sibu, Sarawak, with the aim of strengthening community bonds and attracting visitors from other parts of the country and neighbouring countries like Brunei and Indonesia
The 8th edition of the event called "Lan Berambeh Sungkei" is scheduled for March 7 at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase I, with an expected turnout of 25,000 people
Sibu Division Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman said "Lan Berambeh Sungkei" which means "let's break fast together" in the local dialect, will start at 4pm
The programme was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he added
Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is expected to attend as guest of honour

Questions worth asking

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