Community spirit shines at Kuching’s Juh Berambeh Sungkei 2026

KUCHING (March 14): The spirit of togetherness was evident as about 5,000 people gathered for the Juh Berambeh Sungkei @ Kuching 2026 event at Padang Merdeka this evening.

Organised by the Sarawak Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and DBKU, along with several collaborating agencies, the programme is now in its fourth year.

The turnout has grown steadily, reflecting rising community interest.

The event not only catered to those breaking fast but also attracted people from diverse ethnic groups, including university students from Kota Samarahan.

Participants began arriving as early as 5pm, many accompanied by family, friends, and colleagues to share the breaking of fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

For 24-year-old Arneen Nursyafia Jamehari from Kuching, it was her first time attending the large community iftar despite having heard about it before.

“I’ve wanted to come many times, but this is the first time I actually made it. What excites me is seeing people in Kuching gather together at Padang Merdeka for an event like this.

“I like seeing the crowd, and sometimes you even meet familiar faces or old friends,” she said, adding that she first learned about the programme through TikTok.

Similarly, Muhammad Faris Irfan Sa’adi, 24, also from Kuching, attended with friends as part of their plan to spend time together during Ramadan.

“We came here with our friends because we had been planning to hang out and break fast together, but it never happened before. This time felt like the perfect opportunity.

“This is my first time here, and it’s nice to see so many people from Kuching gathered in one place and even meet new faces,” he said.

The gathering also attracted non-Muslim participants joining their friends to experience the festive atmosphere.

Christine Julianne, 23, from Bau, attended with five friends.

“I’m Bidayuh and I’m not fasting, but I joined because I like seeing people break fast together and gather with friends. It’s the vibe that inspired us to come. This is our second time attending.

“The atmosphere makes you want to come back because you get to talk, meet others, and even make new friends,” she said.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Nur Hidayah Awang Jamaluddin returned after enjoying the event last year.

“Last year was really fun, so I wanted to repeat the experience. Before this I came with my secondary school classmates, but this time I’m here with my college friends,” she said, adding that her group had prepared their own food to share.

Also at Padang Merdeka was Abbas Dasuki Wahid, 21, from Miri, who attended with about 10 people as part of his glamping business gathering.

“We’re here for glamping. We organise these gatherings not only during Ramadan but throughout the year for people who want to experience glamping, usually at beaches like Santubong and Damai.

“This is our second time joining the gathering here. One of our clients is also celebrating a birthday today, so we decided to celebrate it together while enjoying the event and meeting other people,” he said.

The Juh Berambeh Sungkei programme aims to unite the community in celebration of Ramadan while fostering goodwill among people of different backgrounds.

Given the success over the past three years, Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah believes next year’s event will be even more vibrant.