SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is urged to turn the annual Ramadan bazaar into a monthly affair to elevate the economy of the Bumiputera community and strengthen racial harmony.
Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee, who made the suggestion said it need not be organised on a big scale but on a rotational basis from one area to another.
Dr Annuar (left) jokes about his memento while Cr Zaiton looks on.
He cited the example of night market traders in the peninsula, moving from one place to another to ply their trade.
“If this cannot be done on a monthly basis, perhaps hold it once in every two or three months.
“In doing so, we can create a conducive environment for Bumiputera traders here to trade and improve their livelihood.
“The Ramadan bazaar also gathers people from different background which cements racial unity through better understanding of culture while sampling a wide range of delicacies.
“This makes the bazaar significant and unique,” Dr Annuar, said when officiating at the opening of the Ramadan Bazaar at Sibu Town Square Phase II.
There are 202 stalls. 178 are food and drinks, barbeque (21) and three stalls selling merchandise.
Dr Annuar urged the Bumiputera traders to continuously be involved in business and not to confine their trade to the fasting month.
He stressed that the tradition of organising Ramadan bazaar must be preserved for the future generation to uphold unity and solidarity among the various races.
He recalled of late where there had been news reports especially in the peninsula on misunderstanding among the different races and between religions.
“But in Sarawak, especially in Sibu, this is not a problem,” he noted.
“Sarawakians despite coming from different backgrounds can sit together to enjoy their food of different dishes.
“Hence, this uniqueness must be preserved and should not be gambled away just because of minor differences in opinion,” he stressed.
Dr Annuar also reminded food and drink operators to observe high standard of cleanliness and hygiene in food preparation.
Meanwhile, the organising chairperson of the Ramadan bazaar here, Zaiton Abdul Kader said the Health Department was taking samples from stalls to ensure the food was clean and safe for consumption.
She said the number of stalls has increased over the years.
Later, Dr Annuar handed aid to orphans from SK Abang Ali before proceeding to give out aprons to traders.
Among those present was SMC deputy chairman Dato Andrew Wong.