120 New Converts Feted At Tabung Haji’s ‘Road To Fitrah 2026’ Breaking of Fast Event
ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ
KUALA LUMPUR, March 12, 2026 – A total of 120 new Muslim converts were honoured at the “Road To Fitrah 2026” breaking of fast event organised by Lembaga Tabung Haji through Surau Tabung Haji at Dewan Besar TH, Jalan Tun Razak, here on Thursday evening.
The programme, which brought together converts from diverse backgrounds under the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National, was held in collaboration with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and the Tabung Haji Sports Club (KSTH). It aimed to strengthen ukhuwah (brotherhood) and extend support to converts, particularly towards the end of Ramadan.
The meaningful gathering not only provided an opportunity for converts to experience the warmth of breaking fast within the Muslim community, but also served as a platform to reinforce cooperation among Islamic agencies in guiding and empowering converts nationwide.
The event began with welcoming remarks by PERKIM Dakwah executive Nur Syahirah Musa, followed by a doa recitation led by Mohd Firdaus Pompeyos Abdullah. This was followed by a Quranic recitation of Surah al-Hujurat verses 12–13 by a Kadazan Dusun convert, Muhammad Abu Bakar Abdullah.
PERKIM National Administrative Director, Dr Suariza @ Hidayah Muhammad, in her speech, expressed appreciation to Tabung Haji for the invitation and collaboration in organising the event. Speaking on behalf of PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General Datuk Dr Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, she said the presence of converts was deeply meaningful, despite only some being able to attend.
“In these final days of Ramadan, let us increase our prayers and hope to be granted the opportunity to perform the haj and umrah in the future,” she said.
Dr Suariza noted that PERKIM plays a vital role in guiding converts after their conversion, including providing avenues to learn about Islam, share experiences and receive moral support. She highlighted that many converts face challenges such as family rejection or loss of support systems after embracing Islam.
“In certain situations, PERKIM becomes more than a learning centre – it serves as a second home for those in need of guidance and support,” she added.
She also said PERKIM assists in welfare matters, including funeral management and estate-related affairs for converts. These efforts, she said, continue the vision of PERKIM founder Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, who established the organisation to unite and assist converts.
Throughout Ramadan each year, PERKIM organises daily breaking of fast programmes for converts and prepares Aidilfitri celebrations to ensure they do not feel isolated.
“Although modest, these programmes mean a great deal, especially for those without families to celebrate Ramadan and Aidilfitri with,” she said.
Meanwhile, Tabung Haji Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tuan Haji Mustakim Mohamad said the programme was part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at contributing to community well-being.
Since its establishment in 1963, he said Tabung Haji has remained committed to assisting those in need, including converts adapting to life as Muslims.
“This annual breaking of fast event is intended to support converts and allow them to feel a sense of belonging within the wider Muslim community,” he said.
He added that Islam emphasises compassion, care and mutual assistance in charitable acts, and that converts should be given moral support and proper guidance to deepen their understanding of the faith.
Mustakim also encouraged attendees, particularly converts, to begin planning for haj by making early preparations, including consistent savings with Tabung Haji.
“Haj requires istito’ah (capability) in terms of finances, health and safety, especially as costs continue to rise each year,” he said, adding that prudent financial management and continuous savings are essential.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining good health as long-term preparation, as haj demands physical strength and emotional resilience.
The event was further enlivened by the conversion ceremony of an Indian woman, Parvati Devi, who recited the syahadah before the audience, marking the beginning of her new life as a Muslimah. She later received a copy of the Quran and a Tabung Haji souvenir as a gesture of support.
A “Bicara Santai: Road To Fitrah 2026” session was also held, moderated by PERKIM Dakwah executive Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah. The session featured Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department instructor Ustaz Umar Watson Tading and convert speaker Nur Darwisyah Yap Abdullah, who shared their personal journeys to Islam.
Ustaz Umar recounted how his initial negative perceptions of Islam changed after interacting with Muslim friends who demonstrated good character and kindness, which eventually led him to embrace the faith. He also spoke of the challenges he faced, including leaving his previous job and starting anew with limited means.
Nur Darwisyah shared her experience of facing family opposition, particularly from her father, after converting. She said it took years of patience, prayer and respectful engagement to rebuild those relationships. She also highlighted early struggles in learning Quranic recitation, which she overcame with guidance and support from PERKIM classes.
The session underscored that the journey of a convert is often marked by trials, including family rejection, lifestyle changes, and emotional and financial challenges. However, sincerity, patience and the pursuit of knowledge enable them to persevere.
Following the Maghrib call to prayer, attendees broke fast with light refreshments before performing congregational prayers at Surau Tabung Haji. This was followed by a dinner featuring a variety of dishes.
Mustakim later presented tokens of appreciation to the speakers and moderator, while Dr Suariza presented a commemorative plaque to him as a symbol of collaboration between the two organisations.
At the end of the event, Mustakim distributed duit raya and Ramadan donation boxes to the 120 converts before the programme concluded with Isyak and tarawih prayers in congregation.
Among those present were Tabung Haji Human Capital Management head and Surau Tabung Haji chairman Tuan Haji Mohd Norber Kassim, Tabung Haji Haj director Mohd Hisham Harun, PERKIM administrative executive Ahmad Hasaidi Said, and PERKIM finance executive Mohd Aizat Rosli.
New converts search for their names during the registration session for the “Road To Fitrah 2026” breaking of fast event at Tabung Haji.
Nur Syahirah opens the event as master of ceremonies at Dewan Besar TH, Kuala Lumpur.
Filipino convert Firdaus Pompeyos leads the opening doa recitation.
Tabung Haji and PERKIM distinguished guests raise their hands in prayer during the doa.
Kadazan Dusun convert Muhammad Abu Bakar delivers a recitation of Surah Al-Hujurat, verses 12 and 13.
Dr Suariza delivers her welcoming address on behalf of PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General Datuk Dr Haji Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar.
“PERKIM is not only a place for them to seek knowledge, but also serves as a second home for converts in need of support and guidance,” says Dr Suariza.
Tuan Haji Mustakim, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lembaga Tabung Haji, delivers the officiating speech.
Tuan Haji Mustakim encourages converts to begin planning for the haj pilgrimage through early preparation, including consistent savings with Tabung Haji.
The event is further enlivened by the conversion ceremony of an Indian woman, Parvati Devi (in black headscarf), who recites the syahadah led by Ustaz Shahrul Azam (second from left), witnessed by distinguished guests and attendees.
Tuan Haji Mustakim presents a copy of the Quran and Tabung Haji souvenirs to Parvati Devi.
Ustaz Jais Mariappan (centre) moderates the “Road To Fitrah 2026” Bicara Santai session with Ustaz Umar Watson Tading (right) and Nur Darwisyah Yap Abdullah (left), who share their respective journeys of faith.
New converts listen attentively to the sharing session by the panelists.
New converts enjoy the breaking of fast meal after the call to prayer.
Converts from diverse backgrounds partake in dishes such as nasi hujan panas, ayam masak merah, daging masak kicap and others.
Tuan Haji Mustakim presents Ramadan Infak boxes to a Chinese convert.
An Indian convert receives a Ramadan Infak box from Tuan Haji Mustakim.
Dr Suariza presents a PERKIM commemorative plaque to Tuan Haji Mustakim as a token of appreciation for the close collaboration between both organisations.
Tuan Haji Mustakim distributes duit raya to the converts.
More than 120 new converts are feted at the “Road To Fitrah 2026” breaking of fast event at Tabung Haji Kuala Lumpur.
