KUALA LUMPUR: It's an advertisement on Ramadan like no other - no buffet promotions, no buka puasa package.
It simply shows a plate with three dates on it. Just a sober but cutting reminder to Muslims to reflect on how they observe the fasting month.
This unusual community service advertisement has become a conversation piece and its promoter, The admine, hoped that its message calling on the faithful to be frugal this Ramadan will not be missed.
The admine director Hanafiah Harun said they had thought about the advertisement two months before the fasting month started.
"We are not hitting at anyone but we want people to reflect on the meaning of Ramadan. Muslims should live their lives as they would during non-fasting months and not over indulge. There is a lot of wastage."
The advertisement's main message over a plate containing three dates reads: "Somewhere out there, this is all someone can afford for buka puasa today. If he's lucky enough."
The advertisement calls on those fasting not to forget the true spirit of fasting and spare a thought before indulging in lavish buka puasa spreads.
Hanafiah said the advertisement had created a stir but no one had called to complain.

(published: 10/10/2006)