PENAMPANG: Every year during the fasting month, a Roman Catholic church here opens its parking lot to visitors of a nearby Ramadan bazaar.
The Mary Immaculate Church at Bukit Padang has been mindful of the lack of parking facilities in the area, and decided to accommodate the vehicles of the bazaar’s many patrons.
Church administration supervisor David A John said they opened their premises to bazaar visitors five years ago.
“(Doing this) gives the bazaar patrons peace of mind while buying food, without having to worry about (where to park their) vehicles.
“We are happy to do this,” he told NSTP.
Uzma Aida Moid, 29, who lives in neighbouring Bundusan district, said she appreciates the church’s move, as it saves her the trouble of parking far away from the bazaar, or even double parking.
Meanwhile, a police officer from the state police headquarters, Assistant Superintendent Rosli Arif, said that the act by the church administration is proof of the harmony enjoyed by the multi-religious and multi-cultural people of the state.
“We do not always see this practised – a church letting Ramadhan bazaar-goers park at their premises.
“This has helped reduce traffic congestion (with no illegal or double parking), making visiting the bazaar a delightful experience,” he added.