March-April . 2024

Jeffri Mustapa

Picnic-style iftar at Putrajaya Corporation Complex .

Putrajaya Corporation organises the 12th edition of Festival Ramadan Putrajaya , featuring the famous picnic-style iftar

BY FATIHAH MANAF

During Ramadan , Putrajaya gained prominence for hosting the Festival Ramadan Putrajaya , a vibrant event organised by Putrajaya Corporation . Now in its 12th year , this eagerly anticipated festival aims to position Putrajaya as a central hub for selling iftar delicacies and Eid essentials , fostering the spirit of Ramadan among all Malaysians .

“ Festival Ramadan Putrajaya has become an icon for the residents in and around Putrajaya , the Klang Valley , and sometimes even beyond , especially during the weekends . People come to relax or stay overnight to experience the atmosphere in Putrajaya . It truly feels like a festival with sparkling lights , offering various activities . We also provide a playland with joy rides for children to enjoy ,” said the Licensing Director of the Urban Services Department ( Licensing Division ) of Putrajaya Corporation , Jeffri Mustapa .

He shared that the approach was intended to build relationships among visitors , residents , and Putrajaya Corporation as the local authority . The festival attracts a significant crowd , even on weekdays , and has become a regular feature in Putrajaya ’ s tourism calendar .

PICNIC-STYLE IFTAR

The Festival Ramadan Putrajaya 2024 comprises five primary components : Ramadan Bazaar , Anjung Syawal , Kiblat Walk , Laman Iftar , and Ramadan Food Trucks . These activities take place at various locations , including Dataran Putrajaya Presint 3 , Putrajaya Cor-

The festival attracts visitors from Putrajaya and beyond .

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ANOTHER highly anticipated event during Ramadan in Malaysia is Iftar @ KL . The public , including local and international tourists , can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of this unique experience , which takes place in the heart of Kuala Lumpur , right in front of Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad and

Dataran Merdeka .

Organised by Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara ( JKKN ), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism , Arts , and Culture ( MOTAC ), this event offers a distinctive occasion for visitors to partake in an open-air iftar along Jalan Raja .

Scheduled for March 23-24 , March 30-31 , and April 6-7 , 2024 , Iftar @ KL unfolds from 8.00 am to 11.00 pm , providing a comprehensive experience beyond culinary delights . The festivities feature various spiritual and community activities for participants , including diverse offerings from food trucks , ‘ bubur lambuk ’ distribution , tadarus al-Quran , congregational prayers , enlightening Ramadan talks , spiritual performances , Zakat payment services , and more .

Everyone is invited to join Iftar @ KL 2024 for an unforgettable Ramadan experience , capturing the essence of community , spirituality , and the joyous traditions of breaking fast in the heart of Kuala Lumpur .

poration Complex , and five Ramadan Bazaar locations situated in Putrajaya Presint 3 , Presint 9 , Presint 11 , Presint 14 , and Presint 16 . Among the highlights is the popular picnicstyle iftar .

“ The Festival Ramadan Putrajaya is not limited to Muslims ; it is open to all Malaysians , regardless of race , religion , and foreign tourists . No entrance fee is charged . In 2023 , we observed a relatively high attendance from non-Muslim visitors and foreign tourists who wanted to experience the atmosphere of the lively and festive Ramadan Bazaar in Putrajaya and subsequently have a meal together during the iftar time at the Putrajaya Corporation Complex . This is a very positive development , and the Corporation welcomes and invites everyone to come to the Festival Ramadan Putrajaya this year to experience this unique atmosphere firsthand ,” Jeffri elaborated .

“ One of the advantages at Dataran Putrajaya and Laman Iftar of the Putrajaya Corporation Complex is that we have provided basic facilities and infrastructure for the convenience of visitors . These include spacious and comfortable prayer areas , restrooms , outdoor cafe-style seating with tables and chairs , an information centre , a bank , and , most importantly , ample and abundant parking spaces .”

ATTRACTING OVER 600,000 VISITORS

The annual Festival Ramadan Putrajaya is complemented by various activities , enriching the overall experience for attendees . These include stage performances featuring spiritual activities such as religious lectures and nasheed performances .

Jeffri said there were arrangements for tarawih prayers at Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin led by invited Imams from abroad . The mosque also distributes 1000 free iftar packets daily . Various government , private , and non-governmental agencies participate in distributing diverse forms of contributions . Additionally , awareness campaigns are organised for the public , including initiatives like the “ Bring Your Bag from Home ” campaign , cleanliness campaigns , used oil sales campaigns , “ Balik Kampung ” campaigns , and many more .

“ For the record , the Festival Ramadan Putrajaya in 2023 attracted more than 600,000 visitors and garnered media coverage of up to 90 million advertising value equivalency ( AVE ). As the local authority of Putrajaya , Putrajaya Corporation sincerely hopes that the Ramadan Festival in 2024 will attract the public , whether from the Klang Valley or beyond , including international tourists . Our target is to achieve 800,000 visitors for Festival Ramadan Putrajaya 2024 .” – RnR