PERKIM Reaches Out to Senior Citizens in Sungai Siput in Conjunction with Deepavali

📷: FATIN AKMAL AKSAH

SUNGAI SIPUT, OCTOBER 18, 2025 – In the spirit of love, unity and compassion ahead of Deepavali celebrations, the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National Headquarters, in collaboration with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), organised a Welfare Visit to the Sungai Siput (Utara) Senior Citizens Welfare Association at Lorong Tun Sambanthan 12, Taman Tun Sambanthan here on Saturday afternoon.

The programme, held in partnership with the Islamic Information Organisation of Perak (PIIN), aimed to express care and concern for the elderly regardless of race or religion, while fostering goodwill and mutual understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim communities in the district.

According to Programme Coordinator, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, the visit was intended to reach out to senior citizens who require attention and affection from the surrounding community.

“This initiative reflects PERKIM’s noble mission to embody compassion, care and social responsibility towards all people, in line with Islam’s principle of rahmatan lil ‘alamin, mercy to all creation,” he said.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan, who is also the National PERKIM Da’wah Executive, represented YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Haji Mohamad Marzukhi Mohamad Omar, the Honarary Secretary-General of PERKIM National, and extended his gratitude to the management of the centre for their warm hospitality.

“What we bring today may not be of great material value, but the true essence of this visit lies in sharing love, care, and appreciation with those who have contributed so much in their lifetime,” he added.

The PERKIM delegation was warmly welcomed by Sivaraja Suppaiah, Chairman of the Sungai Siput (Utara) Senior Citizens Welfare Association, along with Assistant Secretary, Jeyaraja Suppaiah.

In a brief introduction, Jeyaraja shared the background and challenges faced by the welfare centre, which currently houses more than 30 permanent residents of various races and faiths.

He explained that the centre, officially registered under the Registrar of Societies (ROS) since 2007, is one of the active community-based welfare homes dedicated to the care and well-being of elderly individuals regardless of background.

Founded by a group of concerned local volunteers, the centre focuses on providing care, emotional support, and compassion for the elderly who live alone, are without family members, or are in need of community attention.

In addition to offering basic shelter, the centre organises various welfare initiatives including home visits, food aid for immobile seniors, regular health check-ups, as well as religious and cultural programmes in conjunction with major festive occasions such as Deepavali.

Jeyaraja highlighted that the centre also serves as a model of harmony through its open and inclusive approach, working hand in hand with non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“This reflects the spirit of tolerance and mutual respect that thrives within the multiracial society of Sungai Siput,” he said.

He added that the centre’s main challenges revolve around operational and maintenance costs, particularly in food provision, medical care and hygiene management.

“We are deeply touched by PERKIM’s visit. It gives us encouragement knowing that there are still many out there who care for the elderly, regardless of religious or cultural differences,” he said emotionally.

Throughout the visit, the PERKIM delegation interacted with the residents, listening to their life stories and offering words of comfort and encouragement to help them remain positive and resilient in their golden years.

As a gesture of concern, PERKIM presented contributions comprising dry food items and basic necessities, with major support provided by MAIWP.

A commemorative plaque was also presented to the centre’s management as a symbol of friendship and appreciation for their humanitarian service.

Ustaz Jais expressed PERKIM’s admiration for the centre’s role in providing refuge and care for these special individuals, emphasising that collaborations of this kind are vital in nurturing universal harmony.

The visit concluded with a group photo session with the residents and management, followed by the distribution of individual contributions to several senior citizens.

Smiles and tears of joy could be seen on the residents’ faces, reflecting that genuine compassion can touch hearts more deeply than any material gift.

Ustaz Jais further stated that such initiatives go beyond charity, they embody PERKIM’s da’wah mission to promote Islam as a religion of compassion and universal humanity.

“Through face-to-face engagement, PERKIM has been able to approach non-Muslim communities with wisdom and sincerity, showcasing Islam as a faith that teaches respect, empathy and care for all mankind,” he explained.

The welfare visit was also attended by the PERKIM National Secretariat team, Rohaiza Mohamed Tan, Azura Abdul Rahman, Fatin Akmal Aksah, and Mohamad Fardly Johan who played key roles in ensuring the smooth execution of the programme.

Ustaz Jais reaffirmed that PERKIM will continue expanding such humanitarian efforts nationwide in partnership with MAIWP, NGOs and multiracial communities.

“As long as there are people in need of love and attention, PERKIM will continue to move forward with this humanitarian mission,” he said.

The welfare visit successfully achieved its objectives, not only in easing the burden of the residents but also in cultivating a spirit of unity and compassion among the wider community.

The event stood as a testament that kindness and humanity transcend all boundaries of religion and race, proving that the most powerful form of da’wah is through sincere acts of love that illuminate the lives of those in need.

Azura handed the registration form to the elderly centre’s staff to be filled with the residents’ personal details.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan presented food items and basic necessities, with the main contributions channelled by MAIWP.

Such initiatives represent PERKIM’s noble effort to express compassion, care, and social responsibility towards all individuals.

The primary objective of this visit was to convey love and extend care to the senior residents of the centre.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan presented a PERKIM commemorative plaque to Sivaraja at the end of the programme.

Ustaz Jais, together with PERKIM volunteers, took a group photo with several residents of the Sungai Siput (Utara) Senior Citizens Welfare Association as a memento of the visit.