KRT KLEBANG PUTRA ORGANISES PICNIC-STYLE ‘BUKA PUASA’, WITH OTHER COMMUNITIES JOINING IN

IPOH, March 9 (Bernama) -- Continuing to strengthen its role as an agent of national unity, the Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) or Neighborhood Watch Area of Klebang Putra here organised a picnic-style ‘buka puasa’ initiative that successfully gathered more than 200 residents of the housing estate here last night.

Interestingly, the potluck-concept iftar gathering was not only attended by Muslims but also other communities.

According to KRT Klebang Putra chairman Mohd Rizal Mohd Rajab, the initiative is an annual affair to utilise the contributions allocated by the government to strengthen the unity among the various races in this country.

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"This year marks the sixth year we have implemented this initiative. Every year, when the time comes for celebrations like festivals or national day, we will use the contributions to organise activities that involve all residents, and we ensure that all ethnic groups will participate," he said.

Resident M. Banu, 39, who has lived in the housing area for three years, was excited to be invited to the buka puasa event.

"This is my first time participating in a potluck event like this. I appreciate all my neighbours here. It strengthens the bonds that are very important for our community, right? That's what I really appreciate here.

"Previously, I never joined such activities because everyone in my previous area was from the Indian community. So, this is the first time I have joined a multi-ethnic community here, and I am very grateful to the KRT. Initially, I was a bit worried about having Malay neighbours, but honestly, they are very, very cooperative and we actually get along very well. Thank you very much," she added.

Another resident, S. Marimuthu, 38, said he and his family were invited by the KRT chairman to the event.

"Thank you… Activities like this strengthen unity. In terms of the neighbourhood, we will become closer regardless of religion, culture and race.

“I have lived here for 10 years, and am so thankful to have such good neighbours. I hope we can gather for Hari Raya too," said the company supervisor.

Meanwhile, Kinta deputy district unity officer Mohd Azlan Abdullah said that the success of the event, organised by KRT Klebang Putra, was very commendable and considered out of the box.

"Usually, the KRT hold feasts in halls, restaurants and so on, but today we are having it on the street.

"Where we gather our neighbours here to ensure that the spirit of neighbourliness remains strong. Here we also want to celebrate diversity so we have invited the Indian community to join us in experiencing how we as Muslims break our fast," he said.

Mohd Azlan, who was also present last night, said that the KRT’s role is quite significant and requires sacrifices from its leaders, who are not paid any allowances, to carry out the trust of utilising the allocation to foster the spirit of neighbourliness and unity among the community.

"I often tell all the KRTs, not just Encik Mohd Rizal, that uniting this community is not an easy task. It needs to start at the community level.

"Here is where the role of the KRT comes in; they need to guide residents on how to organise programmes to unite them. They need to look at not just food-related programmes, but perhaps other programmes in terms of welfare, social, religious, sports and so on," he added.

-- BERNAMA