By Leong Z-Keen
As the Hari Raya celebration approaches, University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) recently held a sungkei (break-of-fast or iftar) event at the Chancellery Bucida Square in collaboration with Kolej Cempaka students and Pusat Khidmat Pelajar (PKP).
Students and lecturers alike can be seen flocking to the venue before sunset, eagerly awaiting iftar.
Aside from that, student vendors were present to lend a helping hand in offering food and drinks to the students and lecturers.
During the event, students expressed their joy and elation, with many saying that it was their first time attending a mass breaking of fast at UNIMAS, let alone in an open-air setting.
Aside from the sungkei event, UNIMAS Vice Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi and UNIMAS Board of Directors Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie launched “Lemari Madani”, a food bank dedicated to providing food to students in need.
The students also expressed their desire for a future event with a similar setting so that they may enjoy the atmosphere with their friends and classmates.
- This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
Norlila Mamis
Year 3 Strategic Communication Student, Faculty of Language and Communication
I’m currently staying at Kolej Rafflesia, and we too have sungkei there, but compared to the sungkei at the UNIMAS Chancellery, it feels more like a festival because students from other faculties are present.
Ahmad Raziq Nani Dzulkarnain
Year 2 Software Engineering student, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
Attending an open air sungkei at UNIMAS is a fresh experience for me, but I am very excited to be here because all of us can socialise with people, making it a joyous occasion. I would absolutely attend events like this again.
Abdul Martin
Year 3 Politics and Government student, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
This is my first year at UNIMAS since the period of the Movement Control Order, and it is also my first time attending an open air sungkei at UNIMAS. In comparison to my other sungkei experiences, this is the most joyful one I have ever attended. When I’m back home, it can be lonely at times because some family members may not be available.
Mohamad Nurkhairul Hisyam
Year 3 Psychology student, Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development
I’ve been to open-air sungkei events outside of UNIMAS and at my residential college, but this is my first time attending a large-scale sungkei at UNIMAS. I’m very excited since I’ll be able to experience the “fun factor” of mingling with people, and the atmosphere gets me hyped up.
Nur Amira Irdina Hamzani
Year 2 Cognitive Science student, Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development
This will be a memorable occasion for me because it is my first open-air sungkei and I have the chance to celebrate Ramadan with everyone. Plus, the experience was amazing because I got to celebrate it with my classmates and students from other faculties.
