We are in the first week of the holy month of Ramadan, a period in which the giving of charity by the Muslim population of Malaysia is at its highest. Two years ago I wrote a blog called Ramadan and the Art of Porridge which tries to explain some of the cultural aspects of this special period in the year. Burbur Lambuk is a rice porridge with flavourings and additions depending on taste, and is traditionally served to the masses during Ramadan. To my eyes, it is not the most appetising dish, but I can assure you it tastes better than it looks!
This day’s Burbur Lambuk was being prepared at the Kelab Alami Mukim at Tanjung Kupang, Gelang Patah. This is the location of a long term environmental education program and club for the youth of Mukim Tg Kupang, run by Dr, Serina Rahman. Here they specialise in seagrass and mangrove research, and help support the development of the local fishing industry.
Today’s program was sponsored by the Sunway Group under the direction of Bernard Paul (on the far right), Sunway Group General Manager, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). Today they were providing 1,000 portions of Burbur Lambuk, in special biodegradable pots, to be distributed with the help of the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Community Services team.
In addition, lucky villagers received packs of rice, cooking oil, and other household items.
The guest of honour today was Y.B. Dato Hj Haffiz Hj Ahmad, Datuk Bandar, Iskandar Puteri (i.e., the Mayor of Iskandar Puteri, in green jacket below), talking with Dr. Serina Rahman about the work of Kelab Alami.
As you will spot in these photos, it was pouring with rain, although pouring is a bit of an understatement. Just driving out of Johor Bahru required us to take a diversion as the intended route was flooded, and we saw plenty of flooded locations all along our journey. Indeed Lekha Nandey, of the MRC, was already busy planning ahead to find help for the inevitable victims of these floods.
The other special guests today were Mr. Gerard Soosay, CEO of Sunway Iskandar (in white shirt), and Dato’ Haji Mohd Rashidi bin Haji Mohd Noor, Deputy Chairman of the National Committee for Community Services & Health, MRC.
The three VIPs addressed the audience, but I regret I have no idea what they said, so cannot report on that!
Some of the Kelab Alami team were videoing this event or maning a stall showing skulls and bones of various kinds, as well as books produced by Kelab Alam.
After the speeches, it was time for the ceremonial stirring of the Burbur Lambuk. Dato’ Rashidi helped add some extra chilli and flavourings, while Mr. Gerard Soosay and Y.B. Dato Hj Haffiz Hj Ahmad gave the official stir!
Finally it was time for the official guests to leave, while the MRC continued to discuss plans with Sunway. These relationships between major donors and the MRC team are essential to help provide services to the most needy.
And while the villagers chatted outside the hall, other members of the MRC were getting ready to distribute the 1,000 pots of delicious Burbur Lambuk to the local community.
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