KUALA LUMPUR: Close to 5,500 Muslims and non-Muslims fasted together for 30 hours to experience hunger for a humanitarian cause.

People of all ages and from all walks of life gathered at Bukit Jalil Stadium here at noon on Saturday to fast till 6pm yesterday.

Participants in the World Vision 30-Hour Famine prove that you don't need food and drink to enjoy a concert. — NST picture by Ghazali Bujang

Many brought sleeping bags and fresh clothing to spend the night in the stadium, enjoying a concert put up by volunteers. They also watched a sobering documentary on famine.

This is the 10th year the annual World Vision 30-Hour Famine has taken place. This year it was jointly organised by World Vision Malaysia, Sin Chew Daily and HELP University College.

The organisers hope to raise RM1.5 million for underprivileged children and the disabled in Malaysia and Vietnam. Students and senior citizens paid RM100 each for admission, while working adults were charged RM150 each.

Despite not eating for 30 hours, the participants had a great time — singing along during the concert — without forgetting the reason they had come together.

Ivy Chua, a 31-year-old sales manager, said: "I’m not rich. I will never be able to give millions. By taking part in this ‘famine’, I hope to send the message that we can all extend a helping hand to the needy in our own way."

Nor’ Shafizan Arrifin, 20, said the fast at Bukit Jalil  made her fasting for Ramadan even more meaningful.

"It was a joy to fast with my non-Muslim friends. I broke fast at the normal times, but joining everyone from all backgrounds in this special fast made it more meaningful," said the first-year psychology student. 

This year’s 30-hour fast was the seventh for 58-year-old Lim Song Kiam. 

"Giving a donation is one thing, but experiencing what the poor feel is another," he said, adding that he plans to take part every year for as long as he can.