Kg Baru to embrace new normal this Ramadan [NSTTV]

KUALA LUMPUR: Kampung Baru's Ramadan bazaar will embrace a new normal this year.

The Malay enclave in the heart of city, known for its spread of traditional food for iftar (buka puasa), which draws huge crowds from as early as 3pm at its bazaars, will observe restrictions under the Movement Control Order (MCO).

In previous years, crowds would make a beeline to Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru for its bubur lambuk agung, with queues stretching up to 1km until Jalan Raja Abdullah.

However, the 50-year tradition, which originates from the practice of distributing food by the century-old mosque to needy people during Ramadan, has been forced to stop this year to curb the spread of Covid-19.

With a portion of Kampung Baru placed under an Enhanced Movement Control Order, and the vicinity declared a red zone by the National Security Council due to high number of Covid-19 cases, the mosque decided to halt the distribution of bubur lambuk agung.

As part of MCO restrictions, the mosque also has to stop public activities during the holy month, including congregational and tarawih prayers.

Mosque chairman Datuk Idris Shaari Mat Aris said: "I am very sad that we are unable to do it this year. This is the first time in history that we are unable to serve bubur lambuk to the public.

"Our bubur lambuk is well-known during Ramadan and it brings people closer to the mosque.

"To many food lovers, our dish is considered the gold standard for other bubur lambuk in the country.

"Many people have tried to copy our recipe, but no one has come close to our version," he said at the mosque recently.

"Jawi advised that all activities during Ramadan have to be cancelled as part of the MCO and social distancing. We have to follow this for the safety of the people. "

He said preparing the porridge for thousands of people daily required more than five people.

"Ideally, we need about 10 people. This is for all steps in the preparation, from chopping onions to stirring the big pot," he said, adding that the mosque distributed 4,000 packets of the porridge from 20 pots daily.

"You can only imagine how cramped our kitchen is. It would be impossible to practise social distancing."

Idris thanked the people for understanding the situation and said they could look forward to having it next year.

"The war against Covid-19 is not over, and we must adhere to directives from the authorities during this MCO period and beyond."