SIBU: The bubur lambuk distribution programme organised by Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) Bukit Assek Branch held in front of SK Sentosa here is not just an activity in conjunction with Ramadan but also a symbol of unity among the various races in Sarawak.
Bukit Assek assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, said the programme reflects the spirit of togetherness of the community living in harmony despite different racial and religious backgrounds.
“This programme is an annual activity organised by SABERKAS Bukit Assek Branch as an effort to get closer to the community and strengthen relationships between communities.
“We may come from different backgrounds, but in Bukit Assek we live in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
“Programmess like this show that the community can come together to share happiness and help each other,” he told reporters before distributing 200 packets of bubur lambuk to the public around Kampung Usaha Jaya Baru, Sentosa, recently.
Chieng, who is also the Bukit Assek SABERKAS Branch chairman, said that although the majority of the branch members are Chinese, the involvement of Malay and Iban members in the programme clearly illustrates the uniqueness of unity in Sarawak.
He also explained that the spirit of celebrating inter-racial festivals has long been a culture in the state.
“During Chinese New Year, Malay and Iban friends also celebrate with us. Similarly, during Ramadan, we as the Chinese community also participate in activities such as cooking and distributing bubur lambuk to the community,” he said.
In the programme, the preparation of bubur lambuk was done through gotong-royong by members of the SABERKAS Bukit Assek Branch, including Malay members who assisted in the cooking process before it was distributed to the public.
He added that programmes like this are also important to foster the value of unity among the younger generation so that they continue to appreciate the harmony of the multi-racial community in Sarawak.
