Some of them shared their experiences on social media, which quickly went viral. Their excitement in taking on the challenge of fasting, visiting Ramadan bazaars, waking up for sahur, and eagerly waiting for the Maghrib call to prayer to break their fast received an overwhelmingly positive response from the Malay community, who wholeheartedly supported their efforts.
Influencer Wee Chuan Chin first attempted fasting during his school days. Last year, he successfully fasted for 22 days during Ramadan. This time around, he is determined to fast for the entire month.
Popularly known as Abe Wee and fluent in Bahasa Melayu and the Kelantanese dialect, the 31-year-old said his motivation to fast stems from a desire to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures and religions.
“I often share content about culture and religion on social media. I believe that by understanding other people’s beliefs, we not only learn to respect them more but also gain a different perspective on the world,” he told Bernama.
While Wee has struggled to complete his fast in the past, he isn’t discouraged: for him, the experience of fasting is deeply meaningful.
Fasting, he said, is not just about testing one’s patience and discipline in abstaining from food and drink; it also builds mental and physical endurance, making him more grateful for what he has.
“If you want to try fasting, don’t do it just because it’s trendy. Take the time to understand the challenges and meaning behind it. You can start with half-day fasts.
“What’s important is to enjoy the process and learn from it,” said Wee, who hopes to break his fast at a mosque during the last week of Ramadan.
Similarly, despite having failed in the past, content creator Rex Au has now managed to adhere to his fast, keeping himself busy with work and avoiding food-related content on social media.
“I do it because I am surrounded by my Malay friends and they are very supportive of my decision. Last year, I could only fast for half a day, but this time, I’m determined to fast as much as I can,” Au, 27, told Bernama.
To ensure he completes his fast, Au makes it a point not to miss the sahur meal as it helps sustain his energy throughout the day.
Elsewhere, content creator Lee Joey Leng, 25, said she had first attempted to fast during the holy month three years ago when she had a Muslim boyfriend. Although they have now parted ways, fasting has become a meaningful annual tradition for her every Ramadan.
“That first year, I managed to fast for 10 days without really thinking about its significance. It was an unforgettable experience. In the second year, I was influenced by my surroundings: I have many Malay friends, so when Ramadan came, they all fasted, so I joined in.
“Fasting has taught me to control my emotions and desires, given me time for self-reflection, and even encouraged me to observe healthier eating habits,” she concluded.