Sumud Nusantara Carnival Focuses On Gaza Advocacy, Food Fest Just A Side Element – MAPIM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) has emphasised that the food festival within the Sumud Nusantara Carnival 2025 is merely a side attraction and not the main focus of the three-day event.

Instead, the carnival, jointly organised by MAPIM and Cinta Gaza Malaysia (CGM) at Dataran Merdeka from Friday to Sunday, aims to promote advocacy, solidarity and awareness among Malaysians on the Gaza issue.

MAPIM explained that the carnival also offers interactive and educational experiences for all visitors, including families, through a variety of artistic, cultural and spiritual activities.

“The Food Fest is only one element in a wider programme… It is not the main focus of the event, and profits earned by traders are voluntarily channelled through zakat and infaq to Gaza.

“This initiative is intended to encourage visitors to spend meaningful time understanding the suffering and resilience of the Palestinian people in a way that resonates with Malaysian culture,” MAPIM said in a statement on Saturday.

Further commenting, MAPIM said it respected the views of NGOs and individuals concerned about Gaza’s plight but rejected claims that the carnival represented exploitation or commercialisation.

“We wish to stress that this carnival is a long-term creative strategy, not an exploitation or commercialisation of Palestinian suffering,” MAPIM said.

MAPIM added that the continuity of the carnival’s global advocacy mission is driven through three main frameworks of Sumud Nusantara: the Land Convoy, the Carnival & Gathering, and the Sumud Nusantara Flotilla.

In this regard, MAPIM urged Malaysians to continue expressing solidarity with Gaza through various efforts including prayers, donations, the arts and volunteer movements.

“The slogan ‘Malaysiaku Bersama Gaza’ (Malaysia Stands with Gaza) reflects that every effort, no matter how small, unites the voices of Malaysians under a single cause: a free Gaza, an independent Palestine,” MAPIM said.

The Malam Himpunan dan Selawat – MalaysiaKu Bersama Gaza (Gathering and Selawat Night – Malaysia Stands with Gaza) will serve as the highlight of the Sumud Nusantara Carnival 2025, jointly organised by MAPIM and Cinta Gaza Malaysia (CGM).

The event is expected to draw more than 100,000 participants nationwide and will be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who will deliver a keynote address and officiate the event.

— BERNAMA