This is our second Ramadan in Malaysia. My family and I have been living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia since end of 2011. When it comes to Ramadan, as an Indonesian, we found there are so many things in common between the two countries. It starts from how to decide when the first day of Ramadan begins. The Conference of Rulers had agreed that the method of determining the first day of the Ramadan fasting month be based on the ‘Rukyah’ and ‘Hisab’. This year, 2013, The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, Datuk Seri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, in making the announcement, said that the date for the beginning of the fast for states in the whole of Malaysia was set for Wednesday, July 10 on the order of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong following the consent of the Malay Rulers. Then, the announcement was carried live on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
The daily time table went as usual. The time for Fajr Prayer came at 5.56 am and Maghrib Prayer at 7.28 pm, Kuala Lumpur Time. For local schools, students are still in school until a week before the end of Ramadan. In the mean time, international schools end their program for the year in the first week of Ramadan. Then they have long vacation for six weeks. How about holidays for the workers? Yes, they only have two days free on the days of Eidul Fitr, which are public holidays in Malaysia.
Then, what is the distinctive in Ramadan?
It is very interesting to observe people welcoming the time for ‘break fast’ or Iftar. Two-three hours before the call for Maghrib Prayer comes, road side food stalls are readying themselves to welcome the faithfuls to break their fast. Some roads are blocked to accommodate food sellers to install their tents selling various traditional dishes which are only available during Ramadan. Other food sellers established their tents in parking lots. During Ramadan, the Capital City of Kuala Lumpur becomes merrier and more colorful because of the food sellers’ stands and umbrellas. Open-air food markets, known as Pasar Ramadan or Bazaar Ramadan, spring up around the city. This has become Kuala Lumpur’s tourism trademark.
Kampong Baru, which is located in the heart of the city, is a favorite place for the Muslims to spend their time for Iftars. Many different types of foods are available here. Malaysia’s multiculturalism social structure shows its colors. Malay, Chinese and Indian bring their influences deep into all aspects of life. Take a particular look at the Iftar Meals. Besides their original and traditional Malay cuisines, Nyonya (a fusion of Malay and Chinese), Mamak (Muslim Indian) and Middle Eastern dishes are well represented as well.
Meanwhile, Bubur Lambok or Rice Poridge, the very light and soupy dish prepared using at least 18 different kinds of ingredients is a very popular dish during the fasting month and it is served at homes, masjids, and in iftar functions. That’s why Bubur Lambok is described as “one of the most eagerly awaited meals” in Malaysia. For our driver Bubur Lambok is a dish he never fails to eat for his “Buka Puasa” everyday.
Another aspect that I observed here during Ramadan is that people become very busy near Maghrib prayer times. Traffic jams occur in many major roads and streets. After Azan is heard from the minaret of masjids, all in a sudden silence overwhelms the city. Kuala Lumpur becomes very quiet for about half an hour. People prefer having Iftar and dinner at home with their families and then spend the early evening in masjid. Ramadan nights become nights of serenity when people enjoy closeness with their Creator.To welcome The Night of Revelation of the Qur’an or Lailatul Nudzulul Qur’an, some Malaysian states declared 17th of Ramadan as public holiday. Then, the people will end Ramadan by leaving the city and back to their home towns or “Balik Kampung” to celebrate Iedul Fitr with their families.
