Yen Yen: Malaysians of all races thronging Ramadan bazaars

KUALA LUMPUR: Ramadan bazaars exemplify the 1Malaysia spirit, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

Dr Ng said that even though the holy month of Ramadan was observed by the Muslims, the bazaars were filled with Malaysians from all races. “Visit the Ramadan bazaar and you will understand what the 1Malaysia spirit is. Malaysians, whether Muslims or non-Muslims, come out in huge numbers to buy delicious local delicacies,” said Dr Ng at the official launch of Bazar Ramadan 2012 at Kampung Baru here yesterday.

Uniquely Malaysian: Dr Ng launching the Pasar Ramadan in Kampung Baru by stirring the ‘bubur lambuk’. With her are (from left) Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng, KL Mayor Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib and Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru chairman Datuk Idris Shaari.

She said Ramadan was able to foster religious tolerance, unity and understanding among Malaysians. “If you go to hotels for Ramadan buffets, you will see even the non-Muslims waiting for the break of fast before enjoying their meal. “This is a sense of mutual respect and understanding that Malaysians have developed, and Ramadan is the best time to see this,” said Dr Ng. She also said Ramadan bazaars had indirectly become a platform for Malaysia to promote its local delicacies to tourists.

In conjunction with the launch, the Tourism Ministry donated 100 large pots of Kampung Baru’s famous Bubur Lambuk Agong to the public for breaking fast. “The Bubur Lambuk Agong is a signature dish of Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru and is renowned not only among the residents, as people from all over the Klang Valley would stop by to get it,” said Dr Ng.

About 23,300 containers of Bubur Lambuk Agung were distributed to the public at Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, Jalan Ampang, Central Market, Bukit Bintang and the Masjid Jamek LRT station. At the same event, the ministry also donated RM3,000 to Rumah Sinar Salam, Yayasan Chow Kit and Rumah Kebajikan Tara Bhavan.

-thestar online.