PERKIM’s Harmony Dialogue Strengthens Unity Among Orang Asli of Sungai Pergam

ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ

KEMAMAN, 13 NOVEMBER 2025 – The Harmony Dialogue with the Multiracial Orang Asli Community of Kampung Sungai Pergam jointly organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National Headquarters and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) brought together more than 200 residents from the Semaq Beri and Jakun communities at the village community hall on Thursday morning.

Supported by PERKIM Terengganu State Division, PERKIM Air Putih Branch, PERKIM Terengganu Youth Council, the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Pergam and the local kindergarten, the programme began at 10am with a motivational and interactive talk.

PERKIM National Executive Da‘i, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah, opened the session by expressing gratitude to Allah SWT for the opportunity to engage with the local community.

In his address, he stressed that differences in religion, ethnicity and culture should never hinder mutual understanding rather, these differences become a blessing when nurtured with respect, compassion and shared humanity.

He reminded participants that some individuals, although born into Islam, may still be seeking clarity in their faith.

“No one should feel inferior,” he said. “Islam is not a religion of compulsion, but one of love and mercy. PERKIM is here not merely to visit, but to be your companions and brothers in faith.”

The harmony dialogue session was delivered by Dr Mohammad Asmawi Ibrahim, Lecturer at the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), who highlighted that every human being inherently acknowledges a higher power that governs life.

Islam, he said, serves as a guide that perfects this natural disposition and leads mankind to recognise Allah SWT, the true source of truth and peace.

Dr Asmawi, who is also a Committee Member of PERKIM Terengganu, explained that the need for God is not merely spiritual but fundamental to human existence.

Simple blessings such as the air we breathe, he added, are manifestations of Allah’s enduring mercy.

“All creation such as trees, rivers and mountains are signs of the Almighty who provides sustenance,” he said, emphasising that belief does not hinge on physical evidence.
“Just like electricity, which is invisible yet felt through its effects, the existence of Allah is understood through the signs of His creation.”

He reminded the audience that earthly life is temporary and every deed will be accounted for in the hereafter.

Dr Asmawi also clarified that Islam does not reject Orang Asli cultural traditions so long as they do not contradict Islamic principles. Instead, Islam purifies and elevates cultural practices to align with divine teachings.

He underscored the centrality of prayer as the pillar of faith, linking rising social problems today to neglect of this fundamental act. Religion, he said, is a source of tranquillity, not burden, guiding individuals toward resilience, morals and emotional stability.

“The strength of faith and one’s relationship with Allah is the key to family happiness and social harmony,” he emphasised, urging the Orang Asli community to strengthen their religious understanding and practices.

The closing session was emceed by PERKIM Terengganu Assistant Executive, Aishah Abdul Wahab, while JAKIM Community Mobiliser, Ustaz Adnan Ariffin, led the closing prayer.

Kampung Sungai Pergam Tok Batin, Roslan Ismail, welcomed the delegation from PERKIM National, PERKIM Terengganu and JAKIM. He expressed gratitude for their willingness to spend time with the community and recalled the longstanding service of Prof. Dr Ramle Abdullah, who has worked with the Orang Asli community since 1986.

Roslan also delivered a portion of his remarks in the Semaq Beri language, showcasing the cultural heritage preserved within the community and thanked JAKOA, JAKIM and PERKIM for their commitment to fostering unity and harmony.

Ustaz Jais later conveyed appreciation to the villagers for their warm hospitality and strong cooperation throughout the event.

He noted their impressive spirit of gotong-royong during the surau cleaning activity, carried out together with PERKIM Terengganu Executive Officer, Haji Mohd Subri Jaafar and his delegation who also visited local homes.

He thanked local teachers for bringing pupils to participate in the telematch activities, reflecting close community–school–religious agency relations.

He emphasised that the programme was not merely a social visit but part of PERKIM’s ongoing da’wah to strengthen religious understanding and community bonds.

Dialogue findings, he said, showed that many still require structured guidance in deepening their knowledge of Islam, and PERKIM remains committed to follow-up programmes and continuous support.

The programme continued with an address by Prof. Dr Ramle Abdullah, Chairman of PERKIM Terengganu, who represented PERKIM Honorary Secretary-General, Dato’ Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar.

Dr Ramle expressed gratitude for the success of the event and praised the strong cooperation from all parties.

He said the selection of Kampung Sungai Pergam for a second time within a short period reflects PERKIM’s deep concern for the community and acknowledges the villagers’ positive reception.

Recalling his early involvement with the Orang Asli community in 1986, he noted remarkable improvements in education, socio-economic status and spiritual development.
“Where it was once rare to see Orang Asli youth entering university, today many have successfully pursued higher education,” he said.

He also commended SK Sungai Pergam for securing fifth place in the recent East Zone football tournament, a significant achievement for the village.

“Continue striving in religion, education and economic empowerment. I believe Kampung Sungai Pergam has the potential to be recognised as a progressive and harmonious Orang Asli community,” he said before concluding with the invocation Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Dr Ramle then presented prizes to winners of games including musical chairs, balloon blowing, balloon stepping and rubber-band fishing.

PERKIM National Assistant Da‘i Executive, Ustaz Amran Anbarasu Abdullah, presented appreciation plaques to Dr Asmawi; JAKOA officer Hafizi Ramli; and SK Sungai Pergam Headmaster, Mohd Shafii A. Bakar.

Also present were Terengganu Orang Asli Village Coordinator, Ustaz Wan Baihaqui Wan Ibrahim; JPKK Officer Yu Kidam; and PERKIM Air Putih Branch Chairman, Arabee Bakar.

The event was supported by a PERKIM secretariat team led by Fatin Hamizah Ismail, alongside Rosnaliza Ahmadhiah, Azura Abdul Rahman, Nurfadhilah Alias, Muhammad Fardly Johan, Ustaz Amirul Hafiz Kamaruddin, Dhabitah Hanani Zakaria and Musa Orb.

Rich with educational, spiritual and community elements, the programme stood as a testament to PERKIM’s continuous da’wah efforts to uplift Orang Asli communities and strengthen harmony within Malaysia’s multicultural society.

The gathering concluded with a photography session and lunch.

The Harmony Dialogue Programme with the Multiracial Orang Asli Community was held at the Kampung Sungai Pergam community hall.

Ustaz Jais Mariappan delivering a motivational talk to the Orang Asli community of Sungai Pergam.

Members of the Semaq Beri and Jakun communities listening attentively to the motivational session.

Women from the village also took the opportunity to participate in the Harmony Dialogue programme.

Responding to a question from the villagers, Ustaz Jais Mariappan explained that PERKIM’s visit was not merely a courtesy call but an effort to build genuine bonds of brotherhood in faith.

Dr Asmawi presenting the Harmony Dialogue lecture to the Orang Asli community of Kampung Sungai Pergam.

Dr Asmawi emphasising that the human need for God is not only spiritual, but an inherent part of human nature.

Distinguished guests attending the Harmony Dialogue programme in the community hall.

In his lecture, Dr Asmawi underscored that Islam does not reject Orang Asli cultural traditions so long as they do not contradict Islamic principles.

Dr Asmawi also discussed the realities faced by communities grappling with life pressures and family issues stemming from a lack of religious practice.

Aishah Abdul Wahab chairing the closing ceremony.

Villagers raising their hands in prayer during the doa recitation.

Tok Batin Roslan expressing his appreciation to PERKIM, JAKOA and JAKIM for their commitment in making the harmony and unity-based programme a success.

According to Ustaz Jais Mariappan, the programme was not merely a social visit but part of PERKIM’s ongoing dakwah efforts to strengthen religious understanding and community ties.

Prof Dr Ramle noted that holding the programme for the second time within a short period reflects PERKIM’s concern for the local community and acknowledges the strong support shown by the villagers.

“I am confident that Kampung Sungai Pergam has the potential to be recognised as a progressive and harmonious Orang Asli community,” said Dr Ramle as he officiated the closing ceremony.

Dr Ramle presenting telematch prizes to the village children.

Village children receiving their telematch prizes from Dr Ramle.

Winners of the telematch activities receiving their prizes from Dr Ramle.

School pupils receiving awards for the colouring contest.

Ustaz Amran presenting food packs to villagers.

Villagers receiving food aid from Ustaz Amran.

Ustaz Amran presenting a PERKIM appreciation plaque to Ustaz Adnan Ariffin, JAKIM Community Mobiliser.

Dr Ramle presenting a PERKIM appreciation plaque to Mohd Shafii A. Bakar, Headmaster of SK Sungai Pergam.

Ustaz Amran handing over a gift hamper to Tok Batin Roslan Ismail.

Distinguished guests and villagers posing for a group photo at the end of the programme.