KUCHING: A lively and vibrant atmosphere of togetherness was clearly felt as thousands of visitors from various segments of society and different ethnic backgrounds gathered at Padang Merdeka to enliven the Juh Berambeh Sungkey Programme, which has now entered its fourth year of organisation.

The open breaking of fast programme not only served as a gathering for Muslims to break their fast, but also attracted people from various communities who came to experience the Ramadan atmosphere while strengthening ties of friendship and goodwill.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, who is also Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the response received has shown a significant increase from year to year.

“Last year the turnout was already large. From the first year until now, I can see the numbers growing bigger and bigger. It not only involves those who come to break their fast, but also many people from other ethnic communities,” he told the media when met during the programme on Saturday.

According to him, based on records from last year which noted the presence of about 5,000 visitors, attendance this year is expected to reach a similar figure given the very favourable weather conditions.

He also informed that the programme is expected to continue next year on a larger and more vibrant scale, especially as the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is anticipated to take place almost simultaneously with Chinese New Year.

At the same time, he expressed appreciation to all parties involved in ensuring the success of the programme, including government agencies and security teams such as the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

“InsyaAllah, it will be organised again next year. I believe it will be even more lively.

“I would like to thank all the visitors as well as the agencies that cooperated in making this programme a success,” he said.

Among the activities held throughout the programme were the symbolic distribution of bubur lambuk, the presentation of contributions to the asnaf group, a lucky draw, as well as the screening of a montage.

The programme also featured the presentation of prizes to winners of the Best Glamping Competition and the Ramadan Creative Youth Competition, the presentation of souvenirs to the guest of honour, a symbolic bertuntung ceremony, as well as a nasyid performance by the Rabbani group.

The Juh Berambeh Sungkey @ Kuching 2026 programme was organised by Kelab Belia Prihatin Bandar Kuching with the support of the Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development. -UKASnews

Reporter: Ezzah Syafiqah
Photo: Ezzah Syafiqah, George S. Embie
Translator: Uilson Ng