PERKIM, MAIWP and AL-HIDAYAH Strengthen Bonds of Harmony with the Indian Community in Kampung Kongsi 6

ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ

SUNGAI PETANI, 6 SEPTEMBER 2025 – Harmony and unity among the multiracial communities in Kedah continue to be strengthened through the Indian Multiracial Community Outreach Programme jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National, in collaboration with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and the Islamic Propagation & Welfare Association of Indian Converts of Malaysia (AL-HIDAYAH) Kedah Branch.

The programme, which took place at Kampung Kongsi 6, Bedong starting at 2.30 p.m., carried a message of togetherness that transcended boundaries of race and religion.

According to the Programme Coordinator, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, the initiative aimed to foster closer ties with the local Indian community, particularly non-Muslims residing in the estate areas.

He emphasised that PERKIM consistently seeks prudent approaches in engaging Malaysia’s diverse society, in line with the organisation’s mission of prioritising welfare and universal humanitarian values.

“This programme is a meaningful initiative that creates space for people to get to know each other, build rapport and nurture mutual understanding. Although we come from different backgrounds, respect, compassion and cooperation are the foundations of harmony.

We are truly grateful for the strong support of MAIWP, which has entrusted PERKIM with this responsibility,” he said.

He further explained that aside from financial allocations, moral support from strategic partners such as AL-HIDAYAH and the local community was a catalyst for the programme’s success in promoting unity.

The PERKIM and AL-HIDAYAH delegation, led by Ustaz Mohd Naim Islam Abdullah, Chairman of AL-HIDAYAH Kedah Branch, was warmly welcomed by villagers upon arrival at the Indian Community Multipurpose Hall.

The warm reception reflected the openness of the local community in receiving outside guests.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, the delegation was treated to lunch prepared jointly by the villagers. The atmosphere was lively and harmonious as people of all ages, from children, youths, adults to senior citizens, sat together at the same tables, enjoying the meal while engaging in friendly conversation.

Despite differences in religion and culture, a spirit of togetherness and mutual respect was evident in every interaction.

One villager remarked, “When we have events like this, we get to know each other and strengthen our relationships. It is not just about dining together, but a symbol of unity of hearts.”

Following the fellowship session, the programme continued with a large-scale gotong-royong (community clean-up) around the Indian Community Multipurpose Hall.

The PERKIM delegation and the villagers worked hand in hand on cleaning and maintenance tasks, which included grass-cutting, washing windows, scrubbing floors, cleaning toilets, and repairing basic amenities such as lights, fans and windows.

To ensure long-term impact, PERKIM also contributed various cleaning equipment such as mops, brooms, buckets, garbage bins and other essential tools, thereby helping the community to maintain the cleanliness of the hall in the future.

A local villager, Vijaya Vengadasamy, who participated in the clean-up, expressed his appreciation for PERKIM’s efforts.

“Usually, we carry out gotong-royong among ourselves. But today, we did it together with PERKIM and AL-HIDAYAH. This is truly meaningful as it proves that we can work together despite our different religious backgrounds.”

Around 4.00 p.m., the delegation continued with a goodwill home visit (Ziarah Muhibah) led by Muniandy A/L Subramaniam, Assistant of the Federal Village Development and Security Committee (JPKKP) Kampung Kongsi 6.

Families visited included S. Subramaniam, Vijaya Vengadasamy, Gobala Krishnan, Ravi Chandaran A/L Kamikaraju, Adi Letchumi A/P Muniandi, Kala Wati A/P Jaya Prakash, Panchavarnum A/P Mariappan, and Vasantha A/P Ajunian.

Each household welcomed the guests with warm smiles, and some even served refreshments as a gesture of appreciation. The visit not only served as an introduction but also extended official invitations to the Harmony Dialogue Programme scheduled for the following day at the same venue.

According to Ustaz Muhammad Jais, such visits are a vital means of building trust between Muslims and the non-Muslim Indian community.

“When we enter their homes, greet them, and exchange news, that is when they truly feel appreciated. This is the real essence of unity, it cannot be achieved through words alone, but must be manifested through action,” he said.

The programme continued until evening before concluding with a tea reception at the community hall, where villagers and guests once again gathered to enjoy light refreshments and reflect on the day’s activities.

The friendly atmosphere filled with laughter marked the close of the day with lasting memories.

At exactly 6.30 p.m., the PERKIM delegation departed with gratitude and joy, as the programme had successfully met its objectives. Preparations were then finalised for the upcoming Harmony Dialogue Programme with the Indian community scheduled for the next day.

The Indian Multiracial Community Outreach Programme in Kampung Kongsi 6 was more than just a charitable activity or a simple gotong-royong.

Instead, it stood as a manifestation of Malaysia’s national unity values, which form the cornerstone of the country’s development.

Through such initiatives, PERKIM and its strategic partners have proven that harmony is not merely a slogan, but something that must be nurtured through genuine interaction, practical cooperation and respect for diversity.

It also demonstrated that Malaysia’s multiracial society can support one another in building a better shared future.

The programme’s success underscored that the dakwah bil hal approach propagating Islam through good deeds and welfare resonates better with a plural society than words alone.

At the same time, it shaped the image of Islam as a religion of mercy that celebrates diversity and spreads compassion.

Also participating in the programme were representatives of PERKIM National Secretariat, Azura Abdul Rahman and Mualish Shah Haji Mohd Anuar, together with volunteer Mohd Firdaus Pompeyo Abdullah.

Present as well were AL-HIDAYAH Kedah Secretary, Ustaz Mohd Firdaus Abdullah, and Treasurer, Ustazah Nurasiqin Abdullah, who played a key role in bridging PERKIM with the local community.

Their presence was warmly received by the villagers, acting as an effective communication bridge.

Overall, the Indian Multiracial Community Outreach Programme in Kampung Kongsi 6 achieved its main objectives of building friendship, extending assistance, strengthening collaboration and nurturing goodwill within the multiracial society.

Beyond that, the programme opened the door to genuine dialogue between Muslims and the non-Muslim Indian community, dispelling misconceptions while reinforcing mutual trust.

Such efforts should be continued as a model for social unity in Malaysia, in line with the nation’s aspiration to preserve peace and harmony.

The seeds of goodwill planted in Kampung Kongsi 6 are hoped to flourish further, inspiring more initiatives that unite Malaysians across religious and cultural lines.

The PERKIM National and AL-HIDAYAH secretariat arrived at Kampung Kongsi 6, Bedong to carry out the gotong-royong and outreach activities with the Indian multiracial community.

Ustaz Naim Islam (wearing a kopiah) met with the villagers and engaged in friendly conversation with them.

Ustaz Naim Islam and Ustaz Jais got acquainted with the villagers upon their arrival at the multipurpose hall.

Ustaz Naim Islam greeted the villagers and invited them to the Harmony Dialogue Programme to be held the next day.

Programme secretariat members worked together in the gotong-royong to clean the windows of the multipurpose hall.

The Programme Coordinator also took part in the gotong-royong, helping to clean the hall in preparation for the Harmony Dialogue Programme.

The secretariat washed and cleaned the hall floor in preparation for the following day’s programme.

Overgrown grass and weeds in the compound of the hall were also trimmed to ensure neatness and cleanliness.

Chairs were arranged and wiped so that the villagers could sit comfortably.

The cut grass and weeds were gathered before being disposed of.

The PERKIM delegation was served drinks during their visit to the family of S. Subramaniam.

The PERKIM and AL-HIDAYAH secretariat posed for a photo with the family of S. Subramaniam while extending an invitation to the next day’s programme.

After a friendly exchange, the PERKIM secretariat had the opportunity to take a group photo with the families of Vijaya Vengadasamy and Gobala Krishnan.

Ravi Chandaran A/L Kamikaraju and his children were delighted during the visit from the PERKIM and AL-HIDAYAH delegation.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan met with villager Adi Letchumi A/P Muniandi, inquiring about her well-being and inviting her to the next day’s programme.

Kala Wati A/P Jaya Prakash was delighted to meet the PERKIM and AL-HIDAYAH delegation.

Panchavarnum A/P Mariappan offered words of advice and motivation to the delegation during their visit to her home.

Panchavarnum A/P Mariappan kindly posed for a photo with the secretariat in the compound of her house.

The PERKIM and AL-HIDAYAH delegation inquired about the well-being of Vasantha A/P Ajunian and her grandchild during their visit.