KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- The rain did not deter local and foreign visitors alike from participating in the Iftar@KL programme organised by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) for the second day at Dataran Merdeka, here today.

A tourist from Hungary, Fanni Lekai, 26, who came with her partner Tamas Toth, 27, joined Iftar@KL for the first time and both expressed their fascination as it unified people of different backgrounds despite being a breaking of fast programme.

“We originally wanted to join yesterday but it was raining so heavily, we decided to come today instead. Luckily the rain stopped on time for the breaking of fast period.

“I’m fascinated by how a programme like Iftar@KL which is intended for Muslims brings together people from other backgrounds. I suppose this is one of the signature identities of Malaysia,” Fanni told Bernama when met.

Meanwhile, Simone Schein, 46, from Brazil, was impressed by Iftar@KL as it signifies how Ramadan is wholeheartedly observed by the Muslim communities of Malaysia.

“I was just passing by to check out the landmarks here in Kuala Lumpur, before I saw this programme which has gathered quite a big crowd in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and people are just sitting on top of the mats waiting to break fast.

“There are no events like this back in Brazil, so I came to Malaysia right on time to see how Ramadan is spiritually observed by the locals with all of their might,” she said.

Chen Jia-wei, 38, from China, said this was his third time, having joined Iftar@KL since 2017, which gathered more and more crowds every time he came.

“My friends from Malaysia always invite me to join this breaking of fast programme, I end up loving it very much. I will surely be back again next year,” he said.

Iftar@KL, which is held in collaboration with the National Department for Culture and Arts (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.

Iftar@KL which is in its 12th edition since its introduction in 2012, will be held for six days this year, namely on March 23, 24, 30, 31, and April 6 and 7.

-- BERNAMA