PERKIM Reaches Out to Krudda Village Residents in Conjunction with Deepavali Celebration

by: MOHD. SYAHRIL ROSDI AHMAD ZAHUDI

SUNGAI SIPUT, OCTOBER 17, 2025 – As the Festival of Lights draws near, the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National Headquarters, in collaboration with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), organised a Ziarah Muhibbah (Goodwill Visit) to the multiracial Indian community of Kampung Ladang Sungai Krudda here on Friday afternoon.

The initiative forms part of PERKIM’s ongoing efforts to promote compassion, empathy, and unity among Malaysia’s diverse communities, particularly in conjunction with Deepavali celebrations observed by Hindus nationwide.

According to Programme Coordinator, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, the goodwill visit aimed not only to extend welfare aid to those in need but also to foster closer relations with non-Muslim communities through acts of humanity, demonstrating mutual respect between religions.

“This programme reflects PERKIM’s dakwah bil hal (advocacy through deeds), which emphasises showing Islam’s values through action, not mere words.

“In the spirit of Deepavali, a festival symbolising light overcoming darkness, we are here to spread the light of compassion and empathy among humankind,” said Ustaz Jais.

He explained that beyond providing essential aid, the main objective was to build bridges of brotherhood between Muslims and non-Muslims, underscoring Islam as a faith of mercy that promotes universal peace and well-being.

“This visit reminds us to focus on commonalities, not differences. In Islam, kindness towards neighbours and the community, regardless of background, is a moral obligation.

“We came not merely as donors, but as caring brothers and sisters wishing to share joy and goodwill,” he added.

Ustaz Jais highlighted that grassroots engagement helps bridge social gaps and dismantle prejudice between races. When Muslims step forward sincerely to help others, he said, it reinforces perceptions of Islam as a religion of compassion and tolerance.

“Unity cannot be achieved through slogans, it must come through small, genuine actions that connect hearts.

“This kind of programme should not be seasonal, but a culture embedded in our community life,” he remarked.

The event, which began at 3.00 p.m., was led by Kampung Krudda Community Head, Pandian Krishnan, alongside PERKIM’s organising committee and volunteers.

A total of 50 food aid baskets donated by MAIWP, were distributed to selected families. The aid packages included rice, sugar, cooking oil, tea, biscuits, vermicelli, instant noodles, sardines, condensed milk and various other daily necessities.

Each home visit was warmly received by villagers, who expressed gratitude and appreciation for PERKIM’s concern for their community. The cordial atmosphere reflected the beauty of humanitarian values transcending religious and cultural boundaries.

“The villagers greeted us with sincere smiles and warmth. Their hospitality truly showcased the beauty of interethnic friendship and the universal language of compassion,” said Ustaz Jais.

The visit concluded around 4.30 p.m., leaving a profound impression on all participants. Beyond delivering aid to those in need, it also embodied the spirit of national unity and dakwah bil hal core principles upheld by PERKIM since its establishment.

Through such initiatives, the public witnessed Islamic values manifested through tangible actions, not just theoretical preaching. The gentle, respectful and compassionate approach displayed Islam as a religion of mercy and universal humanity.

Ustaz Jais emphasised that the programme’s success demonstrated how sincere, interfaith collaboration can strengthen social harmony.

“When we approach people with open hearts and without prejudice, they too open their hearts to us. That is the true meaning of dakwah inviting through example, not coercion,” he said.

He extended his appreciation to all parties involved, including MAIWP, the Kampung Krudda community, PERKIM Perak volunteers, and the National PERKIM secretariat, for their commitment and teamwork in realising the charitable mission.

Among those present were Muhammad Hani Waran G. Ratnasami, Administrative Assistant of PERKIM Perak; Ustaz Mohd Firdaus Shahrudin, Chairman of PERKIM Batu Gajah Branch; Muhammad Aqil Amiruddin, Deputy Youth Chairman of PERKIM Batu Gajah Branch and Muhammad Adam, Youth Leader of Kampung Polah, Ipoh.

Also joining the event were members of the National PERKIM Secretariat, Rohaiza Mohamed Tan, Azura Abdul Rahman, Fatin Akmal Aksah and Mohamad Fardly Johan who coordinated the day’s activities with great dedication.

Volunteers and villagers worked side by side in a spirit of harmony, distributing food baskets while engaging warmly with the recipient families. The interaction not only strengthened social bonds but also opened new avenues for interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding.

“This programme successfully fulfilled its purpose, it was not just about material assistance, but about embodying true unity and ihsan (benevolence), which Islam upholds as core virtues.

“We hope similar efforts will be expanded to other districts, so that the light of unity and compassion continues to shine across the nation.

“These initiatives should not be confined to festive seasons, but sustained as part of our community culture,” concluded Ustaz Jais.

Through the spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility displayed, PERKIM once again reaffirmed its commitment as a bridge of interfaith and interracial harmony, aligned with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani a vision grounded in compassion, unity and universal humanity.

Later that evening, the visiting delegation also paid a courtesy call to the Perak Islamic Information Network (PIIN), founded in 2016 by Ustaz Mohamad Noor PK Osman.

The centre stands as a model of Islamic outreach and education, dedicated to empowering the mualaf (new Muslim) community. The land on which PIIN sits was endowed by Ustaz Mohamad Noor himself, symbolising his lifelong commitment to spreading knowledge and strengthening community ties through Islamic values.

PIIN conducts various programmes such as Fardu Ain (religious fundamentals) classes, mualaf guidance sessions, Islamic celebrations and community engagement activities that promote understanding and unity.

Run by volunteer instructors and supported by a regular benefactor, PIIN also works closely with the Perak Islamic Religious Department to ensure its programmes align with state dakwah policies.

Sustained by community donations, PIIN stands as a testament to sincerity, solidarity and shared purpose in advancing Islamic teachings while nurturing knowledgeable, ethical and resilient mualaf communities across Perak.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan and a team of volunteers carried food bags containing rice, sugar, cooking oil, tea, biscuits, vermicelli, instant noodles, sardines, and condensed milk to be distributed to the Indian community of Kampung Krudda.

This goodwill visit was not only aimed at delivering welfare aid to those in need but also served as a platform to reach out to non-Muslim communities.

In the spirit of Deepavali, a festival that symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, PERKIM’s presence sought to kindle the light of compassion and empathy among humankind.

The visit indirectly helped to build bridges of brotherhood between Muslims and non-Muslims.

The programme encouraged everyone to focus on similarities rather than differences.

PERKIM hoped that the residents of Kampung Krudda would feel their presence not as donors, but as caring brothers and sisters wishing to share happiness together.

Such goodwill initiatives help to break down social barriers and dispel prejudices among different races.

Kampung Krudda Community Head, Pandian Krishnan (left), led the visiting delegation to the homes of Indian residents in the village.

When we approach others with open hearts and without prejudice, they too open their hearts to know us better.

Later that evening, the PERKIM secretariat had the opportunity to visit PIIN (Perak Islamic Information Network), which was founded by Ustaz Mohamad Noor PK Osman.

Ustaz Mohamad Noor PK Osman showcased several of the activities currently being carried out by PIIN.