PETALING JAYA, Jan 1 — The International Malaysian Muslim Food, Culture, and Tourism Festival has demonstrated that halal food can serve as an effective medium for uniting both Muslim and non-Muslim communities from diverse cultural, religious, and national backgrounds.
The festival, which runs until Monday (January 4), provides a platform for social interaction, where visitors not only enjoy the food on offer but also gain insight into cultural diversity through the shared dining experience.
One visitor, Rammapriya Subramaniam, said events like this play an important role in narrowing gaps between races and religions.
“Through food, we get to learn about other cultures and interact more openly without feeling awkward,” she told Media Selangor.
Rammapriya added that the wide variety of halal food available also makes the festival an ideal family activity during the school holidays.
“When there is halal certification, all communities can enjoy the food without barriers,” she said.
Meanwhile, a visitor from China, Jamal Chao, described food as a universal language that most easily brings people together.
“When we eat together, differences of race or nationality disappear,” he said.
Chao also noted that the involvement of the international Muslim community in the festival gives the public an opportunity to discover and sample a wide range of halal cuisine from different countries.
For another visitor, Nabilah Bahari, food is the main factor that draws people together and encourages interaction.
Bagi pengunjung lain, Nabilah Bahari, makanan menjadi faktor utama yang mendorong orang ramai berkumpul dan berinteraksi.
“Events like this encourage people to be adventurous and try food from different cultures, and indirectly unite society regardless of religion,” she said.
Meanwhile, festival organiser Shoaib Ma said the halal food concept promoted goes beyond commercial transactions and is instead aimed at connecting communities.
“Food is the easiest way to bring everyone together, regardless of background,” he said.
For stallholder Lim Qian Yu, the festival creates opportunities for collaboration between Malaysian Muslims and Chinese Muslims in business.
“Through food, we can understand the cultures and traditions of other countries and promote harmony among different communities and cultures,” he said.
