Selangor Journal
People are seen breaking their fast at the Iftar @ KL 2023 programme at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, on April 8, 2023. — Picture by BERNAMA

Giant oil lamp, highlight of Motac’s Iftar @ KL programme at Dataran Merdeka

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) through the National Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN) is organising the Iftar @ KL programme at Jalan Raja in Dataran Merdeka here.

Its Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said during the two-day event, which ends today, visitors, including foreign tourists, are welcome to break the fast while seated cross-legged on mats.

“The programme is expected to attract 20,000 visitors and it is held to educate and enliven the spirit of Ramadan as a month of worship and compassion.

“Ramadan can also serve as a platform to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and improve tolerance between races through programmes that can promote Islamic culture and arts to international tourists,” he said after attending the Iftar @ KL programme yesterday.

Khairul Firdaus, who is representing Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing also distributed Aildilfitri donations to 40 orphans from Pusat Jagaan Titian Kaseh.

Iftar @ KL is jointly organised by JKKN and its strategic partners Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) and the Putra Cultural Arts Association, as well as supported by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

Among the interesting interludes is the launching ceremony of Malam Tujuh Likur tonight, where it has become a tradition for the Malay community to put up oil lamps, known as panjut, during the last 10 nights of Ramadan.

A five-wick giant oil lamp will be lit at Dataran Merdeka by distinguished guests to signify the symbolic beginning of Malam Tujuh Likur.

This giant oil lamp, measuring 20 feet long and surrounded by 100 smaller oil lamps, will be lit from April 15 until midnight on April 20 to mark the joy of the city folk in welcoming the arrival of Aidilfitri, providing a unique experience for foreign tourists.

— Bernama

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