SHAH ALAM, Mar 5 — As early as an hour before iftar, a queue stretching nearly 100m had already formed inside the compound of Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah — better known as the state mosque — as worshippers waited patiently to receive their break-of-fast meals.
Mosque committee members were seen organising the distribution and, as the call to prayer neared, handing out packed meals along with bottles of mineral water. The meals were well prepared and sufficient for a full dinner.
By 7.15pm, the mosque hall and surrounding areas were filling up with Muslims from all walks of life.
Among them were groups of university students facing the pressures of rising living costs.
For many, breaking fast at the mosque has become a practical way to ease their daily expenses and manage their budgets more effectively during Ramadan.
This is especially true for Athirah and Syazwani, both 22 and from Perak, who are pursuing their studies at a university in Shah Alam.
“We come here mainly to save money, especially to prepare for the upcoming Hari Raya and to manage our PTPTN (National Higher Education Fund Corporation) loan,” Athirah, who also works part-time in retail during the fasting month to earn extra income, told Media Selangor.
Syazwani said buying food outside could easily cost between RM15 and RM20 per meal.
She added that while cooking at home is far more affordable, it is not always convenient for those living in a rental house shared by six people.
“Here, the food is proper and generous. It helps reduce our daily expenses, so we can set aside more for Aidilfitri preparations and other essentials during Ramadan.”
Athirah agreed, saying that financial considerations were the main reason they chose to break fast at the mosque.
“The Ramadan atmosphere is nice, but honestly, we come because it helps us save. The mosque usually prepares proper meals for iftar, so we don’t feel the need to spend time and money outside,” she said.
Saving money, building bonds
The concerns shared by Athirah and Syazwani are well founded, particularly as Selangor and its capital, Shah Alam, were recently ranked the most expensive places to live in Malaysia, according to the Cost of Living Indicators Report 2024 released by the Statistics Department (DOSM).
The ranking, based on the Basic Expenditure of Decent Living (PAKW) Index — which measures the level of expenditure needed to maintain a decent standard of living across different locations — highlights the financial pressures faced by residents in states like Selangor and cities like Shah Alam.
For 21-year-old Universiti Malaya student Muhammad Naufal Mukhtar, breaking fast at the mosque offers not only a way to save on daily expenses but also a meaningful and enriching experience.
“The atmosphere is more relaxed and peaceful, and it’s a good chance to hang out with friends and strengthen our relationships,” he said.
The Shariah, Economics, and Governance student said breaking fast at the mosque allows him to save about RM15 a day, which he would otherwise spend on iftar meals outside — a crucial benefit for students on tight budgets.
“I don’t need to buy extra food, so I am able to save money for other things, including sahur (pre-fasting meal) the next day.
“But even if money wasn’t an issue, I would still come to the mosque to break fast. Saving money is just a bonus; the experience and the mosque atmosphere are what matter most to me.”
