LIPIS, March 9 (Bernama) – Traditional dishes such as bubur lambuk, a staple meal during Ramadan, have the potential to serve as agents of unity among the various races in the country, said Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
He said the special porridge, typically enjoyed at the breaking of fast, is not only favoured by the majority of Muslims but is also well-liked and cherished by people of all races, regardless of skin colour, rank, or status.
"We can see how the bubur lambuk cooking programme held today has brought together people from different backgrounds, races, and religions. This dish may have originated from Malay tradition, but it is enjoyed by all communities.
"I personally spoke to some Indian participants involved in this unity bubur lambuk cooking programme, and they admitted that they really enjoy it," he told the media during the "Gerak Rahmah: Jom Masak Bubur Lambuk Perpaduan" Pahang-Level Programme at Dataran Santuari Tanjung Gahai here today.
Also present at the event, which was organised by the Ministry of National Unity (KPN) in collaboration with the Pahang government, was State Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman, Leong Yu Man.
The programme, held simultaneously across Pahang since yesterday and today, involved 400 participants from 27 Rukun Tetangga (Neighbourhood Watch) , 28 government agencies, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
A total of 42,300 packs of bubur lambuk, cooked in 15 pots, were distributed across the state as a meal for breaking fast.
When asked about his recent meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Wan Rosdy said that one of the topics discussed was the construction of Rest and Service Areas (RnRs) along the Lingkaran Tengah Utama (LTU) highway between Bentong and Gua Musang, Kelantan.
"A total of two or three temporary RnRs, costing RM2.5 million, will be built along the 300-kilometre route," he said.
Additionally, he stated that the Selangor government had agreed to fulfil Pahang’s request to increase the tariff for raw water supply to the state but the exact rate could not be disclosed until it is finalised by the state executive council.
-- BERNAMA