SIBU: The mass breaking-of-fast event, known as ‘Lan Berambeh Sungkei’, held at Dataran Tun Bujang Phase 1 here recently, has received high praise from leaders of non-governmental organisations.
Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Sibu District Chapter chairman, Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee, said he felt deeply honoured and grateful to be invited to the sacred iftar gathering.
“To sit together at a warm dining table, breaking fast with a bowl of simple soup and a heart full of respect, is more than just a meal – it is a profound lesson in empathy.
“Some may ask: why would an international humanitarian organisation, known for first aid, blood donation and disaster relief, choose to take part in a religious celebration?
“The Red Crescent’s core mission is not to change one’s faith, but to protect human life and dignity. We act based on humanity – not on religious differences. Our emblem, the red crescent, symbolises protection and the preciousness of life,” he said when commenting on the event.
The gathering, now in its eighth edition of ‘Lan Berambeh Sungkei’, successfully drew the targeted crowd of 25,000 people.
It was organised by Sibu Division’s Permanent Committee for Muslim Festivities in collaboration with the Nangka Service Centre and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) Sarawak.
Chua said the Red Crescent serves without discrimination – regardless of race, religion or social status – as impartiality remains at the heart of its mission.
By understanding the deeper meaning of Ramadan – particularly the values of self-discipline and compassion for the less fortunate – he said non-Muslims could grow closer to their Muslim counterparts from different backgrounds.
Pointing out that harmony must be built collectively, he stressed that unity does not fall from the sky but grows through moments such as this event.
“When non-Muslims share dates and teh tarik, and when Muslims receive a bottle of water from a non-Muslim volunteer during a disaster, these small acts of kindness stitch the fabric of society together.
“The strength of the Red Crescent lies in our embrace of diversity. We believe true harmony is not about making everyone the same – it is about finding ways to support one another despite our differences,” Chua added.
Meanwhile, the Sibu Teochew Association (STA) also expressed its sincere appreciation to the organisers for the gracious invitation.
STA chairman, Kapitan Su Ngio Kee, said the invitation represented not merely a gesture of courtesy, but also a reflection of institutional trust and social understanding across religious and cultural communities.
He noted that at a time when many plural societies around the world face divisions caused by misunderstanding and extremist rhetoric, Sarawak continues to demonstrate that interfaith engagement can flourish in a climate of rationality, maturity and mutual respect.
Such an environment, he said, is a valuable social asset that must be safeguarded collectively.
“We convey our heartfelt wishes to all Muslim brothers and sisters for a blessed Ramadan. May their fasting and spiritual devotion be accepted, and may they be granted good health and inner peace.
“More importantly, we believe that gatherings such as this breaking of fast are not merely ceremonial exchanges, but practical expressions of social risk prevention. Through genuine interaction and sustained engagement, misunderstandings can be addressed before they take root, and communal gaps can be bridged in everyday life,” he explained.
Within the long-standing political culture of inclusivity and rational governance in Sarawak, Su said civil society organisations must act as bridges rather than symbolic participants.
He added that STA remains committed to an open and collaborative spirit, working alongside all communities to strengthen the foundation of social trust, ensuring that Sibu continues to move forward in unity, stability and resilience amid an increasingly complex world.
