Photo gallery: Six-day Iftar@KL programme expected to draw 35,000 visitors

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 35,000 local and foreign visitors are expected to participate in the six-day Iftar@KL programme, organised by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, which kicked off at Dataran Merdeka here Saturday (March 23).

The programme, to be held in collaboration with the National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN), Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Islamic Tourism Centre and Persatuan Seni Budaya Putra, would provide 35 trays of breaking-of-fast meals for visitors.

JKKN director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris said the participation of visitors this year is more encouraging compared to only 30,875 last year.

“This programme, in its 12th edition since its introduction in 2012, will be held for six days this year – March 23, 24, 30, 31, and April 6 and 7.

“This programme aims to illuminate and enrich the month of Ramadan as a month of worship besides fostering ties among communities through spiritual programmes and activities,” he told reporters at the event, which was also attended by Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan.

Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan. – Photo: BernamaMeanwhile, Khairul Firdaus said the ministry is planning to expand such programmes to all states.

“Cultural tourism needs to be further emphasised on how unique our culture is during this holy month besides strengthening social ties.

“This year, we have been informed that similar programmes will be held in Sabah and Pahang, while next year it may be expanded to other states,” he said.

Visitor from Australia, Alice Darrick, 35, shared her excitement upon participating, arriving as early as 4:30pm with her husband.

“It’s my first time joining this programme and it was fascinating. There’s a lot of people who came with their families to break fast together,” she told BK.

Student Maisarah Batrisyiah Mazlan, 17, said she and her friends never miss the opportunity to join the iftar programme every year.

“I always come to this programme because there are various types of food and iftar dishes available. Moreover, being able to break fast with friends in tourist attraction areas, feels very enjoyable,” she said. – BK