SHAH ALAM - The Iftar Ala Madinah @Karangkraf event is not only an eagerly awaited annual programme for those who wish to break their fast in a unique atmosphere but also helps ease the burden of the underprivileged or B40 group.
This is because the long-running programme offers free iftar meals, which in turn helps reduce household expenses.
A private sector employee, Sarina Mohd Som, 47, said she never misses the opportunity to break her fast with family and friends at Iftar Ala Madinah @Karangkraf every year.
She said such a programme greatly helps reduce kitchen expenses for underprivileged and B40 families, especially parents with many children.
"Iftar Ala Madinah @Karangkraf also provides an opportunity for less fortunate Muslims to break their fast with delicious meals for free, which they might not be able to afford elsewhere.
"It also reminds me of the experience of breaking fast at Masjid Nabawi in Madinah when I performed Umrah during Ramadan a few years ago," she said when met here on Tuesday.
The Iftar Ala Madinah @Karangkraf programme runs from March 3 to 27 and is open to 1,500 guests daily, except on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
The public must register before 2pm each day by scanning the QR code at the website Iftar.karangkraf.com or contacting the secretariat at 019-213 3315.
Those who wish to contribute to improving facilities, purchasing meal supplies, or donating food can channel their donations to the Tabung Infaq Iftar via the Maybank account 564276529068 (Maybank-Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd).
Sarina added that besides saving on grocery expenses, Iftar Ala Madinah @Karangkraf also strengthens bonds of brotherhood and friendship among Muslims and friends.
"Usually, I come to break my fast at Karangkraf several times a year. However, this year I have only come once with my family and friends.
"Apart from breaking fast, I also take the opportunity to meet and catch up with former colleagues," said Sarina, who is also a former employee of Kumpulan Karangkraf.
Another visitor, Mohd Khairul Azlan Saari, 45, expressed his gratitude to Kumpulan Karangkraf for providing a variety of meals and a comfortable place for the public to break their fast for free, including people with disabilities (PwDs) and senior citizens.
He saidthat this was his second time breaking fast with his family, but this time he was joined by his mother and his brother, who is also a person with disabilities.
"This is the second time my wife, children, and I have come to break our fast here, but this time it is even more special with the presence of my mother and brother from our hometown in Kelantan.
"We enjoy breaking our fast here, not only because it feels like breaking fast in Madinah but also because the organisers have provided a place for congregational prayers," he said.
Meanwhile, a private sector worker, Lukman Nur Hakim, 23, said he and his friends frequently break their fast at Iftar Ala Madinah @Karangkraf because the food is provided for free and is appealing.
"My colleagues and I love breaking our fast here because it feels like we are in Madinah, and the free food provided includes a variety of dishes such as nasi kandar, nasi Arab, nasi kerabu, nasi ayam, and many more.
"So it's no surprise that this year alone, I have already broken my fast at Iftar Ala Madinah @Karangkraf three times with my colleagues," he said.