SIBU: Prayer comes before breakfast for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who says he starts each day by performing the Subuh prayer and making doa for Sarawak’s continued prosperity and the well-being of its people.
Speaking during a special town hall dialogue held in conjunction with the Sarawak Day 2026 celebration here today (July 22), he said the morning prayer remains an important part of his daily routine.
“My first breakfast is prayer because, in Islam, the best time to make doa is after Subuh. Among others, I pray that Sarawak will continue to prosper and that our people will always be blessed,” he said.
Abang Johari said he usually has toast and half-boiled eggs for breakfast.
He also shared that breakfast has become a quieter affair since the passing of his late wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Hajjah Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang.
“Nowadays, I have breakfast alone, but my children are around,” he said.
Asked about his favourite traditional dishes, the Premier said he enjoys ulam jantung pisang (banana blossom ulam), pegaga (scientifically known as Centella asiatica or commonly called Asiatic pennywort or Gotu Kola) and cencaluk (fermented shrimp or krill).
At the same time, he encouraged Sarawakians to take care of their health by watching what they eat and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI).
“We have to look after ourselves by maintaining a healthy BMI and taking care of what we eat,” he added.
