All he knew was that he had a plan: To fast, record it, and share it with his social media friends.
Asked what inspired this idea, Germani told FMT it was the tension he had noticed between those of different races.
He said it was his hope that through observing the fasting month himself, he could in some way soothe racial tensions and prove that there were still those who respected Malaysians of all races.
“I feel that in this day and age, racism should be non-existent because there’s so much more that we need to focus on rather than hatred.
“So, I made the video in the hope that it would eliminate such hatred from those who still have issues against people of other ethnicities,” Germani said.
Germani’s two videos that record his fasting experience were uploaded in 2015 and 2016 on YouTube and shared on his Facebook page.
The 2016 video titled “Chinese guy fasts with his girlfriend” has been viewed over 62,000 times.
“I am definitely not the only one who fasts, and I know some people who fast more (often) than me. So, this video was merely a representation of a forward Malaysia,” he said.
And Germani was right, he isn’t the only one.
Kumaran Rajamoney, a correspondent with a local news agency, has been fasting for 16 Ramadans now, with the aim to complete at least 20 days each time.
He started back in 2001, when he was working part-time at a bridal boutique during school holidays.
“The first time I fasted, I kind of forced myself to do it,” he told FMT, adding that he initially did it to respect his Muslim colleagues who were fasting.
Even when his heart was not in it, Kumaran successfully fasted for a whole week.
“But the excitement of fasting eventually made me set a target. I increased the number of days I fasted the next year and now, my annual target is not less than 20 days.”
Asked what it was that excited him about fasting, Kumaran said it was the support and encouragement he received from his friends as well as their family members.
“It’s a celebration for me when I would be invited to break fast with them every year.”
Unlike Kumaran, Germani was breaking fast alone. Despite this, he told FMT that being a part of a culture that “makes Malaysia, Malaysia”, made him feel a sense of togetherness.
“After my video was posted, there seemed to be a lot of support and nice words from everyone. This tells me that there’s enough love and positive vibes in the world, especially in Malaysia.
“So, I am happy to be able to do that, even if it’s (breaking fast) by myself.”
And his favourite part of the experience is – the Ramadan bazaar.
“Roti Jala! Murtabak! Awesome!”
For Kumaran, fasting during Ramadan has helped him better understand his Muslim friends.
“(I enjoy) the buka puasa (break fast) time. All the variety of food, and the warm welcome by my friends who have always been supportive.
“Some even wake me up for sahur.”
Kumaran said the biggest challenge he faced now was achieving his ultimate target of fasting for one whole month.
That is why for now, he is happy just fasting for 20 days at the very least.
“Sometimes I have to attend family functions and reunions that require me to join them for lunch. It will be awkward for others if I did not join them in eating during the function.
“As much as I respect my Malay-Muslim friends, I believe I should also do the same when it comes to my family,” Kumaran said.
For Germani, the biggest challenge was the inability to drink water from sunrise to sunset.
“I am a person where when I eat out, I order two drinks because I tend to drink a lot. So to not be able to drink was the biggest challenge for me.”
The Ramadan month this year began last Saturday, and both Germani and Kumaran have a message for those fasting, as well as non-Muslims planning to do so.
“I wish everyone who is fasting would take this time to slow down and enjoy life. I think fasting helps to clear one’s mind. And for those who would love to join, please feel free (to do so),” Germani said.
“If you have a friend who’s fasting, just ask if you can join them. I’m sure you’ll be a changed person after experiencing it, especially with your peers.
“And yes, remember to set the alarm to eat during sahur, don’t be like me, always wake up late. Let’s do this.”
Kumaran meanwhile reminded Muslims that Ramadan was a holy month that encouraged moderation.
“Follow the Sunnah and celebrate the month. For the non-Muslims who plan to fast, just give it a try, and you will enjoy the experience, especially when you berbuka puasa with your friends.
“Let’s celebrate our diversity.”