Sabah govt to host Aidilfitri celebration at SICC this Saturday

KOTA KINABALU (March 24): Members of the public are invited to attend the Sabah state government’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) this Saturday.

Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said the event, beginning at 10am, is expected to draw about 20,000 visitors.

The celebration will be graced by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and other state leaders.

The programme will include the presentation of contributions to orphans and welfare homes, as well as performances by local Sabah artistes.

Arifin said the event serves as a platform to strengthen ties and foster unity among Sabah’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities.

“As such, we welcome all members of the public, regardless of religious or political background, to join us in enlivening this celebration,” he said after attending Musa’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in Kampung Bingkul, Beaufort on Monday.

He added that the celebration also reflects gratitude for the state’s continued peace and harmony, while marking the beginning of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development agenda.

A total of 71 vendors and 15 hotels will be involved in preparing the food, ensuring a wide variety of offerings for visitors while creating economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs

Arifin noted that the participation of small businesses would help stimulate the local economy, with strict adherence to food safety standards.

He also stressed the importance of moderation, in line with the federal government’s call to avoid excessive spending.

“We celebrate in moderation — eat and drink, but do not overindulge. Instead, we should prioritise gratitude and extend assistance to those in need,” he said.