Dennis (standing first row, fourth left) witnesses the slaughter of a cow at Masjid Darusalam Long Lama.
LONG LAMA: The community here is one that exemplifies the spirit of 1Malaysia, where every member irrespective of racial, religious and social background comes together for every festive occasion.
This was highlighted during the presentation of meat for Hari Raya Aidiladha yesterday, of which the recipients also comprised the local non-Muslims.
According to Masjid Darusalam Long Lama committee chairman Dato Abu Bakar Abdullah, his side donated three head of cows for slaughter this year and the recipients of the meat comprised 100 Muslims and 200 non-Muslims.
“The ‘korban’ (ritual sacrifice) portion of the meat is for the Muslims, while the ‘sedekah’ (donated) portion is for the non-Muslims.
“This is the way for us to share Aidiladha joy together,” he told reporters prior to the distribution of the meat, where guest-of-honour Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau also helped the committee members.
Abu Bakar said despite their small number here, the Muslims never had any problem living with people of other races and religions in this rural sub-district.
“In fact, we regularly hold joint events and celebrations. During Ramadan this year, the mosque committee members and the Telang Usan branch of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth invited the non-Muslims to the distribution of ‘bubur lambok’ (savoury porridge) and ‘buka puasa’ (break-of-fast) with the Muslims in Long Lama.
“Next month, we are going to host an interfaith gathering here,” he said.
In his remarks, Dennis praised the local community, adding that all joint activities here had been well received by the locals ‘without prejudice’.
“This year marks the sixth year that the mosque committee runs this meaningful activity (distribution of meat to both Muslims and non-Muslims), which I believe can unite and bring people together. I hope this would continue in years to come,” said the assemblyman.