PERKIM Women Brings Joy and Compassion to Senior Citizens at Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras
By: MOHD. SYAHRIL ROSDI AHMAD ZAHUDI
KAJANG, NOVEMBER 4, 2025 – The “Caring for the Elderly at Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras” programme, organised by the National Women’s of the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM), was filled with warmth, empathy, and compassion as more than 100 participants spent the day engaging with the residents of the government-run senior care centre in a friendly and heartening atmosphere.
Jointly supported by the BMW K16 Malaysia Motorcycle Club and ERT Vocational College Setapak, the event took place at Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras, located along Jalan Cheras, with the aim of strengthening humanitarian values and reviving the spirit of love and respect towards the elderly, individuals who have long contributed to the nation and society.
The event began with welcoming remarks by Nur Syahirah Musa, Executive Officer of PERKIM’s National Dakwah Division, who served as the master of ceremonies. This was followed by a prayer recital led by independent preacher Ustaz Mohamed Hanafiah Abdul Malek, who prayed for divine blessings upon the event and the residents of Rumah Seri Kenangan.
In her keynote address, Yang Teramat Mulia Tunku Puan Sri Dato’ Hajah Noor Hayati Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Head of PERKIM’s National Women, expressed gratitude to Allah SWT for the opportunity to be among the elderly in such a meaningful gathering.
“First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all parties who contributed to the success of this programme. Our presence today is not merely ceremonial, but an expression of love, concern, and appreciation for those who have contributed so much throughout their lives,” she said.
Tunku Noor Hayati described the elderly as invaluable gems, living witnesses to the nation’s long journey, having seen how earlier generations lived in mutual support, tolerance, and harmony despite differences in background.
“The values of tolerance and togetherness must continue to be inherited by the younger generation. While many parts of the world are engulfed in conflict and instability, we in Malaysia remain blessed with peace and prosperity, thanks to the sacrifices and wisdom of our forebears,” she added.
She also emphasised that social harmony is sustained when every age group complements one another, the young respecting the old, and the elderly offering affection and wisdom in return.
Tunku Noor Hayati reiterated that PERKIM Women remains committed to organising community-based initiatives targeting single mothers, orphans, the poor, and new Muslim converts, while also playing a vital role in promoting Islamic values across society.
“May programmes like this serve as a bridge of friendship and understanding, nurturing compassion and empathy within our communities,” she said, urging that the culture of respecting senior citizens be continually upheld.
Earlier, Zamzuri Mohamed, Administrator of Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras, shared that the institution currently houses 187 residents of various conditions, some healthy, some frail and others bedridden.
Operated under the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), the home provides care, protection, and rehabilitation for elderly citizens in need, ensuring they can live their later years with dignity and well-being.
“Most residents here are between 70 and 89 years old. We focus not only on their physical health but also on emotional and spiritual welfare,” he explained, expressing hope that PERKIM’s initiative would become an annual tradition, drawing more participation from NGOs, educational institutions, and corporate entities.
“We deeply appreciate the collaboration shown by PERKIM Women’s Wing and its partners. Their compassion and presence mean so much to our residents,” he added.
The morning continued with a light aerobics session led by instructor Y, accompanied by upbeat music that encouraged the elderly to move and smile. The joyful activity drew laughter and applause from residents eager to take part.
This was followed by a motivational talk delivered by Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, Executive Officer of PERKIM’s National Dakwah Division.
In his address, he reminded that old age should not be seen as the end of joy, but as a divine opportunity for reflection and spiritual renewal.
“Every breath we take is a blessing. Never think of yourself as forgotten or useless, for in the sight of Allah, the most honoured are those who are most obedient to Him,” said Ustaz Farhan Tee.
He also urged the public to treat the elderly with compassion, noting that they have endured life’s many tests and deserve to be valued and loved.
“Islam teaches us to honour our elders, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: ‘He is not one of us who does not respect the elderly and show love to the young.’ Caring for the elderly is not merely charity, it is an act of worship rewarded by Allah,” he said.
Following the talk, Tunku Noor Hayati, together with PERKIM National Women’s Council Members Datin Mawanchik Che Jais and Dato’ Hajah Nurzarina Haji Sepran, as well as Ustaz Hanafiah, visited the residents in their dormitories, presenting cash donations and offering words of comfort.
Their walkabout also extended to the dining hall, reading corner, and corridors, where they engaged warmly with residents who were visibly moved by the delegation’s presence. Some residents gifted handmade crafts as tokens of appreciation, while others sang nostalgic tunes, creating a touching and joyous atmosphere.
Adding to the day’s cheer, students from ERT Vocational College Setapak offered complimentary manicure and foot reflexology services, uplifting the seniors’ spirits and encouraging self-care and confidence through wellness.
Meanwhile, the BMW K16 Malaysia Motorcycle Club drew excitement by displaying several high-powered motorcycles, allowing residents to pose for photographs and enjoy short rides around the compound, an experience that brought broad smiles and laughter to their faces.
Programme coordinator Fatin Hamizah Ismail expressed heartfelt gratitude to the management and staff of Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras for their full cooperation, as well as to the teachers and students of ERT Vocational College for their energetic participation.
She said the one-day event not only strengthened the bond between organisations and the community but also proved that compassion transcends age and social boundaries.
“It reflects PERKIM Women’s unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Islam through acts of love, service, and sacrifice,” she remarked.
As Tunku Noor Hayati had reminded earlier, “Love for the elderly is not merely sympathy, it is a shared responsibility to ensure they continue to be valued and cherished until the end of their days.”
“May this small effort become a lasting contribution towards shared happiness,” concluded Fatin Hamizah.
Also present were PERKIM Women’s Council Member Hajah Sharifah Zubaidah Syed Mahdzar, President of BMW K16 Malaysia Motorcycle Club Yusni Afindi Lukman, and Director of ERT Vocational College Setapak Puan Hajah Norhayati Abdul Rahman.
Among others in attendance were PERKIM Women’s National Secretariat officers Mohd Aizat Rosli, Masliana Ariffin, and Mohamad Fardly Johan, as well as BMW K16 Malaysia Club Patron Dato’ Seri Ahmad Shamsul Baharin Mohd Hanafiah.
Members of PERKIM Women, the BMW K16 Malaysia Motorcycle Club, and ERT Vocational College Setapak welcomed the arrival of PERKIM Women’s Chief, Tunku Noor Hayati, at Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras.
Nur Syahirah served as the master of ceremonies for the Caring for the Elderly programme.
Tunku Noor Hayati together with other distinguished guests at the event.
Some of the senior residents who attended the programme.
Coach Y led the light aerobics session with participants.
Members of PERKIM Women and other participants followed the exercise routine to the rhythm of lively music.
Tunku Noor Hayati joined in the exercise session alongside the elderly residents.
The aerobics activity, accompanied by upbeat songs, was enjoyed enthusiastically by both participants and senior citizens.
The elderly residents followed the workout movements together with Tunku Noor Hayati.
Ustaz Hanafiah Malek led the opening prayer.
Students from ERT Vocational College Setapak raised their hands in supplication during the prayer.
Zamzuri expressed hope that the Caring for the Elderly programme would become an annual event with greater participation from NGOs and educational institutions to bring joy to the lives of the elderly.
In his motivational talk, Ustaz Farhan Tee reminded that old age is not the end of happiness, but a golden opportunity to draw closer to Allah SWT.
According to Ustaz Farhan Tee, society must appreciate the contributions of senior citizens with love and compassion.
Tunku Noor Hayati showed care and affection to the elderly residents, engaging them in conversation while gently comforting them.
Tunku Noor Hayati presented tokens of appreciation and financial contributions to the residents.
Tunku Noor Hayati personally visited and offered donations to bedridden senior residents.
Elderly residents of Indian descent were also visited and presented with contributions by Tunku Noor Hayati.
Tunku Noor Hayati also extended her care and presented gifts to residents in the dining hall.
According to Tunku Noor Hayati, the values of tolerance and solidarity must continue to be passed down to the younger generation.
She emphasised that the presence of PERKIM Women was not merely for ceremony, but a gesture of love, concern, and appreciation for those who have greatly contributed throughout their lives.
Tunku Noor Hayati further explained that the harmony of society is ensured when every generation complements one another.
She stressed that noble values must be nurtured, the young respecting the elderly, while the elderly show love and offer guidance to the young.
Tunku Noor Hayati called for continuous efforts to strengthen the culture of respecting senior citizens.
Distinguished guests and participants posed for group photographs with some of the elderly residents.
Tunku Noor Hayati took the opportunity to pose for photos with students from ERT Vocational College Setapak.
Students from ERT Vocational College Setapak provided complimentary foot reflexology services to the elderly residents.
The elderly residents also enjoyed free manicure services provided by students of ERT Vocational College
Members of the BMW K16 Motorcycle Club gave the elderly a chance to experience a ride on luxury motorcycles around the Rumah Seri Kenangan compound.
The senior residents excitedly posed for photos with the luxury BMW motorcycles, delighted by the unique experience.
Members of PERKIM Women posed for a commemorative photo with the BMW K16 Club members and their motorcycles.
