Kota Kinabalu: The State-level Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) tomorrow (Saturday) is expected to attract 20,000 visitors.
The event, themed “Aidilfitri Wadah Perpaduan” (Aidilfitri: A Platform for Unity), will run from 10am to 2pm.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif urged the public to attend the event, saying it is a great opportunity to strengthen community ties and embrace the spirit of unity.
“About 95 per cent of the preparations are ready, with organisers having to conduct a final rehearsal. We are confident that visitors will have a memorable experience,” he told reporters after an interview with Sabah FM, here, Thursday.
He said the celebration is being organised with an emphasis on the values of prudence and frugality, in line with the recommendations of the national leadership.
“The approach is also accompanied by programme improvements and the involvement of more needy groups.
“We are improving the programme and we are also taking into account the advice and message from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding the values of prudence and frugality.
“We are giving priority to needy groups to attend the event. We are inviting over 1,000 tahfiz children and orphans to give them a chance to be with us.”
Arifin said the open house will feature 71 food stalls run by local vendors, alongside 15 hotels offering a variety of traditional Hari Raya dishes.
Various activities were also arranged, including the presentation of donations to nine welfare homes, calligraphy performances and entertainment by local artists.
“The open house is not just about celebration; it is about giving back to the community and involving those who are often overlooked,” said the Minister.
The celebration is expected to be graced by Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman with his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and members of the State Cabinet.
