MELAKA: Three hotels got praises from the state government for promoting unity as well as hosting Ramadan meals for social activists from various races.
State unity, community relationship, human resource and consumer affairs committee chairman Ngwe Hee Sem said he was delighted to know a few hotels here had been offering complimentary Ramadan buffets to multiracial members of non-governmental organisations and charity homes despite the tough environment faced by the hospitality industry.
“I am glad to hear our local hoteliers are still continuing to hold Ramadan get-togethers for the local community and promoting unity.
“They have preserved their tradition of engaging in corporate social responsibility although the pandemic had a major impact on the hospitality industry," he said on Tuesday (April 12).
Ngwe was responding to efforts by Doubletree by Hilton Melaka; Bayou Lagoon Park Resort of Bukit Katil and Casa De Rio Hotel which had organised Ramadan buffets for charitable bodies and activists from non-governmental organisations.
Doubletree by Hilton Melaka hosted dinner for nine local activists who savoured their "Jelajah Selera" menus, served throughout Ramadan.
Hilton’s marketing and communication director Eugene Oelofse said the hotel invited the special guests to embark on a gastronomic journey featuring recipes on local signature dishes.
"The pandemic has taught us to truly cherish quality time with our loved ones and we are glad that our friends are finally able to gather and embrace the festive season.
"Our hotel invites everyone to come together and create new memories on a culinary adventure this Ramadan," she said.
Bayou Lagoon Park’s CEO Datuk Marco Seow said the tradition of holding Iftar (breaking fast) for charitable organisations has been an annual affair for his team.
"We have been encouraging multi-ethnic Ramadan gatherings for the past few years and organising events for the less fortunate.
"The hotel is all-agog to build a good rapport with the community apart from flourishing harmonious living," he said.
Casa De Rio’s manager Agnes Tay believes that CSR must go on during good or bad times.
"We will continue our effort to organise more Ramadan events to help those in need and provide meals to the orphanages."
Tay said her hotel also believes in giving opportunities to local talents.
She said the decision to invite a Penangite housewife to share home-cooked goodness with locals during Ramadan got a positive response.
Tay added that Sharifah Hanum Haroun, 59, who is known as “Ibu Sharifah” has helped the hotel to whip up the northern dishes to be served throughout the fasting month.